The Blues head to New Jersey Thursday night hoping to halt a slide that began with a loss to the Rangers.
Key points
- Colton Parayko returns to the Blues’ defense after missing two games with an upper‑body injury.
- Aleksanteri Kaskimaki is back on the second line after scoring his first NHL, game‑winning goal in Detroit.
- Jordan Binnington holds a solid 2.36 GAA in his career against the Devils, the fifth‑best among his opponents.
- The Blues look to improve their road‑trip record, which stands at 1‑1 heading into the New Jersey game.
St. Louis travels to New Jersey on Thursday, seeking to bounce back after a disappointing Tuesday defeat at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. The contest is slated for a 6 p.m. CT tip‑off and will be carried on Blue Note+, First Alert ABC, and 101 ESPN.
Coach Jim Montgomery announced that defenseman Colton Parayko will rejoin the roster, taking the spot of Theo Lindstein. Parayko, who last saw ice time on Oct. 29 versus Boston, missed the previous two games with an upper‑body injury. On the forward side, Aleksanteri Kaskimaki returns to the second line alongside Connor McMichael and Mason McTavish after sitting out Tuesday’s game.
Key roster moves
Montgomery praised Kaskimaki’s recent performance, noting the young winger’s “smart, 200‑foot hockey” and his ability to support the puck both offensively and defensively. Kaskimaki’s confidence is bolstered by his first NHL goal—a game‑winning tally in Detroit’s dramatic 5‑4 comeback win on Saturday.
Veteran netminder Jordan Binnington is expected to start, matching up against his former Olympic teammate Connor Hellebuyck. In 12 career outings against the Devils, Binnington has posted a 2.36 goals‑against average, ranking as his fifth‑best mark against any opponent.
Goaltending matchup
The Blues are currently 1‑1 on a four‑game road swing that began earlier this week. After Thursday’s matchup in New Jersey, the trip concludes on Saturday with a visit to Nashville.
Projected lineup: Forwards – Dylan Holloway, Robert Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud; Connor McMichael, Mason McTavish, Aleksanteri Kaskimaki; Jake Neighbours, Dalibor Dvorsky, Pavel Buchnevich; Alexey Toropchenko, Pius Suter, Ross Johnston. Defense – Philip Broberg, Brandon Carlo, Colton Parayko, Justin Barron, Cam Fowler, Adam Jiricek. Goalie – Jordan Binnington.
Reader questions
What time does the Blues‑Devils game start?
The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. Central Time tip‑off on Thursday.
Who is expected to start in goal for St. Louis?
Jordan Binnington is slated to be the starting goaltender for the Blues.
Why is Aleksanteri Kaskimaki’s recent goal notable?
It was his first NHL goal and it proved decisive, serving as the game‑winner in a 5‑4 comeback victory over Detroit.
Source: nhl.com
