Blues Gameday Preview: A Broadway Showdown With the Predators

The St. Louis Blues will look to snap a two-game losing streak Saturday afternoon when they visit the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. St. Louis is coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils and will look to finish its four-game road trip with a victory.

Last Game: 5-4 Loss to the Devils

The Blues fell 5-4 in overtime to the Devils on Thursday after nearly completing a three-goal comeback. Mason McTavish, Philip Broberg and Dalibor Dvorsky scored in the third period to erase a 4-1 deficit and force overtime. However, Jesper Bratt scored 1:26 into the extra period to give New Jersey the victory. Jordan Binnington finished with 31 saves.

Projected Lineup vs. Predators (Subject to Change)

Dylan Holloway — Robert Thomas — Jimmy Snuggerud
Connor McMichael — Mason McTavish — Aleksanteri Kaskimäki
Jake Neighbours — Dalibor Dvorsky — Pavel Buchnevich
Alexey Toropchenko — Pius Suter — Ross Johnston

Philip Broberg — Brandon Carlo
Colton Parayko — Justin Barron
Cam Fowler — Adam Jiricek

Joel Hofer
Jordan Binnington

Projected combinations are subject to change.

Injured: Tyler Tucker, Dillon Dube 

Blues’ Team Leaders

Mason McTavish, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway are tied for the team lead with 12 points each. Jimmy Snuggerud leads St. Louis with eight goals, while Holloway leads the team with nine assists.

Storyline No. 1: Blues Looking to Snap Two-Game Losing Streak

The Blues are searching for answers after dropping consecutive games against the New York Rangers and Devils.

St. Louis fell 3-1 to New York on Tuesday before Thursday’s overtime defeat in New Jersey. While the team managed to collect a point against the Devils, the recent results have prevented it from building much-needed momentum during this road trip.

The biggest concern is the team’s inability to put together a complete performance. Against New York, the Blues struggled offensively, while their matchup with New Jersey featured defensive breakdowns that allowed the Devils to build a three-goal advantage.

The comeback against New Jersey was encouraging, but St. Louis cannot continue putting itself in difficult situations and expect to overcome those deficits every night.

Now sitting at 7-7-2, the Blues have an opportunity to get above .500 with a victory in Nashville. Finishing the road trip with two points would also provide a much-needed boost heading into their upcoming stretch of home games.

Storyline No. 2: Another Opportunity Against the Predators

Saturday’s matchup gives the Blues an opportunity to respond after their previous meeting with the Predators ended in a 5-2 loss.

Nashville controlled much of that October contest, taking advantage of its scoring opportunities to hand St. Louis another defeat on the road. The Predators have continued to find success since then and enter Saturday’s game with a 7-4-5 record.

Nashville has won three consecutive games, including a 3-2 overtime victory against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Steven Stamkos scored the game-winning goal, extending the team’s winning streak and giving it additional momentum heading into the weekend.

Filip Forsberg has been one of Nashville’s most productive players, leading the team with 19 points through 16 games. Roman Josi has also played a major role offensively, recording 18 points and a team-high 16 assists.

For St. Louis, limiting Nashville’s top offensive players will be critical. The Blues cannot afford to give Forsberg, Stamkos and Josi too much time and space, especially against a team that has been generating consistent offense.

A better defensive performance and more disciplined play in the neutral zone will be important if St. Louis hopes to even the season series.

Storyline No. 3: Logan Mailloux Recalled After Rehab Assignment

The Blues received some defensive help ahead of Saturday’s matchup, as Logan Mailloux completed his rehabilitation assignment and was recalled to St. Louis.

Mailloux has been working his way back from a hand injury that kept him out of the lineup. His return gives the Blues another option on the blue line, with Tyler Tucker also sidelined.

The 23-year-old defenseman brings an offensive element to the position, with his skating ability and willingness to join the rush adding another dimension to St. Louis’ defensive group.

It remains to be seen whether Mailloux will immediately return to the lineup against Nashville. However, his recall is an encouraging development for a Blues team that has dealt with several defensive injuries early in the season.

How to Watch

Puck drop: 12 p.m. Central
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
TV/Streaming: Blue Note+
Radio: 101 ESPN

The Blues will return home Tuesday, Nov. 10, to host the Detroit Red Wings at Enterprise Center. The matchup will open a stretch that sees St. Louis play five of its next seven games on home ice.