Sat Oct 25 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Blues Shuffle Lines After Mammoth Meltdown Ahead of Detroit Clash

ST. LOUIS, MO – Following a brutal 7-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth, the St. Louis Blues are shaking things up as they embark on a two-game road trip, starting Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesar’s Arena.

The most notable change sees forward Dylan Holloway continuing on the fourth line alongside Oskar Sundqvist and Nick Bjugstad. Holloway, who has struggled to find his offensive rhythm with just one goal and one assist in seven games, is reportedly “thinking too much,” according to Blues coach Jim Montgomery. Montgomery believes Holloway’s speed and skill are being hampered by over-analyzing his play.

“When he’s just playing hockey, he’s naturally on top of pucks,” Montgomery said earlier this week. “Right now I think he’s thinking, and when you think on the ice, you look slow.”

Other changes include Matthew Kessel returning to the lineup in place of Logan Mailloux. While Pavel Buchnevich scored his first goal of the season on the power play in the previous game, he remains without an even-strength goal. Robert Thomas recorded his 400th NHL point with an assist Thursday, but is also looking to light the lamp during even strength.

With a back-to-back set looming, including a Monday game in Pittsburgh and a Tuesday rematch against Detroit at home, goaltender Jordan Binnington will get the start Saturday. Joel Hofer is expected to start Monday’s game, with Binnington likely returning for the Tuesday matchup.

The Blues (currently 2-1-0) are looking to build on their undefeated road record, having already secured wins against Calgary and Vancouver earlier this month. Forward Nathan Walker emphasized the importance of stringing together wins.

Here are the projected line combinations for the Blues:

  • Jake Neighbours – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
  • Mathieu Joseph – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou
  • Pavel Buchnevich – Pius Suter – Nathan Walker
  • Dylan Holloway – Oskar Sundqvist – Nick Bjugstad

Jordan Binnington will start in goal, with Joel Hofer as the backup. Healthy scratches include Alexandre Texier and Logan Mailloux. Alexey Toropchenko remains day-to-day with lower/upper-body soreness.

The Red Wings (5-3-0), who were themselves on the wrong end of a lopsided scoreline on Thursday, falling 7-2 to the New York Islanders, are expected to counter with:

  • Emmitt Finnie – Dylan Larkin – Mason Appleton
  • Alex DeBrincat – Marco Kasper – Lucas Raymond
  • Andrew Copp – J.T. Compher – Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
  • James van Riemsdyk – Michael Rasmussen – Jonatan Berggren

  • Simon Edvinsson – Axel Sandin-Pellikka

  • Albert Johansson – Jacob Bernard-Docker

John Gibson will start in goal, with Cam Talbot as the backup. Healthy scratches include Elmer Soderblom and Travis Hamonic. Patrick Kane is out with an upper-body injury.

Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT on FDSNMW and ESPN 101.1-FM.

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