Sat Oct 11 19:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Alexey Toropchenko will miss the St. Louis Blues’ game against the Calgary Flames on Saturday due to upper and lower-body injuries. Alexandre Texier is expected to take his place on the third line. Coach Montgomery is looking for a more determined effort from his team after a disappointing season opener. Joel Hofer is the expected starting goalie. The article also lists the projected line combinations for both teams.

**News Article:**

**Toropchenko Out as Blues Seek First Win in Calgary**

CALGARY – The St. Louis Blues will be without forward Alexey Toropchenko when they face the Calgary Flames on Saturday afternoon. Toropchenko, who did not travel with the team due to upper and lower-body injuries, was initially listed as questionable but was later ruled out.

In Toropchenko’s absence, Alexandre Texier is expected to slot into the third line alongside Jake Neighbours and Pius Suter. Mathieu Joseph will move to the fourth line. Coach Jim Montgomery hopes Texier’s offensive skill set and puck protection abilities will provide a boost to the team’s scoring depth. “He just provides more offense because of his skillset. He provides o-zone time because of his elite puck protection skills. We’re hoping we get a little more push there. It gives us the potential for three scoring lines,” Montgomery stated.

The Blues are seeking their first win of the season after a lackluster performance in their season opener against Minnesota. Montgomery is demanding a more determined and aggressive approach from his players. “I want to see a dogged determination (Saturday), where there’s almost a scowl on your face when the game begins because you’re not happy with the way [the season] started,” Montgomery said. “Any team that wants to be really good in this League, losing two in a row isn’t something you accept or even tolerate. The start of (Saturday’s) game is going to be important to see where we’re at in the process.”

Joel Hofer is expected to start in goal for the Blues.

**Projected Lineups:**

**St. Louis Blues:**
* Pavel Buchnevich – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
* Dylan Holloway – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou
* Jake Neighbours – Pius Suter – Alexandre Texier
* Mathieu Joseph – Nick Bjugstad – Nathan Walker

* Cam Fowler – Colton Parayko
* Philip Broberg – Justin Faulk
* Tyler Tucker – Logan Mailloux

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