3 Takeaways From Blues’ Preseason Loss to Stars

The St. Louis Blues took the ice for their second preseason game on Monday night. For the second straight game, they faced the Dallas Stars. For the second straight game, the Blues fell, 2-1. Let’s jump into the takeaways from American Airlines Center.

Takeaway #1: Physicality Continues

The Blues prioritized adding physicality to their lineup over the summer, highlighted by the signing of Ross Johnston. Two games into the preseason, the Blues have been in four fights. Dylan Peterson dropped the gloves for the second straight game. In a surprising scene, Dylan Holloway fought Kyle Burroughs in response to Burroughs’ check on Jimmy Snuggerud.

While the Blues would prefer Holloway not to fight, it still stands out. The team is clearly showing resilience and not being intimidated by their opponent. In a stacked division, that is an important quality for a team to have.

Takeaway #2: Power Play Gets Chances, But No Goals

Head coach Jim Montgomery used Monday’s game to use the team’s first power-play unit: Holloway, Robert Thomas, Snuggerud, Mason McTavish, and Philip Broberg. The unit got plenty of opportunities, especially in the second period, getting six minutes of power-play time, including an extended 5-on-3 opportunity. The team failed to score, but generated some chances and kept the puck in the zone to maintain pressure.

When looking at the top unit, I do not like McTavish being on it. While his skill set fits a top unit, I don’t like our second center not playing center in a situation where the team has a man advantage. On a power play, winning the faceoff is crucial. I would much rather see McTavish at center on the second unit. If Montgomery wants another left-handed shot on the first unit, Connor McMichael could slot into that role.

Takeaway #3: Top Line Continues to Impress

Monday was the first time we saw the Blues’ top line of Holloway, Thomas, and Snuggerud in the preseason. Based on their success late last season, the line has generated a lot of excitement as we approach the new season. How did they perform in their first game?

The line looked good. All three skated well. Snuggerud led the team with four shots on goal, while Thomas and Holloway tied for second and third. The line did produce a goal, but it was waved off for an early whistle.

Stick Taps

I am going to give a stick tap to Adam Jiricek for his performance tonight. The Czech played 21:01, the third-highest among Blues’ defensemen, and recorded two shots on goal. It was impressive watching the defenseman jump into the play in the offensive zone, showcasing his value on offense.

A standout moment for Jiricek came when the Blues pulled their goalie. The Stars got possession and rushed to the empty net to ice the game. Jiricek and others got on their horse and raced back to retrieve the puck after the initial shot missed the net. Jiricek even went straight to the goal to serve as the “goalie” while the Blues regrouped and set up a counterattack.

Many are excited about Jiricek, and tonight reminded everyone why. While the Brandon Carlo acquisition suggests the Blues want Jiricek to develop more, no one should be surprised if he forces his way into the NHL at some point in 2026-27.

Next Game

The Blues return home to Enterprise Center on Thursday night. They will host the rival Chicago Blackhawks as the teams play a pair of games to conclude the preseason.

Check back with The Hockey Writers for more preseason coverage from around the NHL.