Fri Feb 07 01:00:00 UTC 2025: **Blues Host Stanley Cup Champs in Crucial Matchup**

ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Blues (24-25-5) face a critical test on Thursday night as they host the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers (32-20-3) at the Enterprise Center. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. CT. The game can be viewed on FanDuel Sports Network and heard on 101 ESPN and the Blues App. Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com.

The Blues are coming off a narrow 3-2 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers, but have earned three of a possible four points in their last two games. Defenseman Nick Leddy returned to the lineup Tuesday after a 49-game absence due to injury, contributing 15:27 of ice time. Captain Brayden Schenn stressed the importance of securing points in their upcoming games against Florida and Chicago, as the Blues push for a playoff berth. Colton Parayko continues to shine offensively, netting his 12th goal of the season on Tuesday, placing him fifth among NHL defensemen.

The Panthers, meanwhile, are concluding a two-game road trip after a loss to the Washington Capitals. Despite the recent defeat, they boast a strong 6-2-0 record in their previous eight games, showcasing their potent offense which ranks third in the league with 180 goals scored. Star players Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk are both riding four-game point streaks, each with seven points in that span. Tkachuk, a St. Louis native, leads the Panthers in assists with 32 and is second in points with 51.

The Blues and Panthers previously met on December 20th, with Florida winning in overtime. Since then, the Panthers have solidified their position atop the Atlantic Division. Thursday’s game promises a high-stakes showdown between two teams with contrasting recent fortunes but significant playoff aspirations.

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