Sat Dec 06 23:50:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The St. Louis Blues are struggling mightily, ranking near the bottom of the NHL in both scoring and goals against. They face the Ottawa Senators, a team they recently defeated in a comeback win, but consistency has been elusive. Coach is reshuffling the forward lines in an attempt to spark the offense. Joel Hofer will start in goal against the Senators, with Matthew Kessel replacing Tyler Tucker on defense. The Senators are also dealing with injuries and will start Linus Ullmark in goal.

News Article:

Blues Desperate for Offense as They Face Senators

ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Blues (9-12-7) are in dire need of offensive spark as they prepare to face the Ottawa Senators tonight. The Blues rank 30th in the NHL in goal scoring, averaging a paltry 2.54 goals per game. The team has scored two or fewer goals in nine of their last ten contests, and is also struggling defensively, ranking 29th in goals against with an average of 3.50 goals allowed per game. The team is the only one in the league with single-digit wins this season.

Head Coach is trying to shake things up by shuffling the forward lines, hoping to find a combination that can break the team out of its scoring slump. Matthew Kessel will re-enter the lineup on defense, replacing Tyler Tucker. Joel Hofer will get the start in goal against the Senators, with Jordan Binnington slated to start Sunday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Blues’ recent come-from-behind victory against the Senators, a 4-3 affair on November 28th, marked their only win this season when trailing after two periods.

The Senators (also not current standings) are also dealing with roster challenges, including injuries to key players like Thomas Chabot, Lars Eller, and Shane Pinto. Linus Ullmark will start in goal for Ottawa.

Projected Lineups:

Blues:

  • Neighbours-Thomas-Buchnevich
  • Holloway-Dvorsky-Kyrou
  • Suter-Schenn-Bjugstad
  • Kaskimaki-Sundqvist-Joseph
  • Broberg-Parayko
  • Kessel-Faulk
  • Fowler-Mailloux
  • Hofer (Starting Goalie), Binnington

Senators:

  • Tkachuk-Stutzle-Zetterlund
  • Perron-Cozens-Batherson
  • Amadio-Greig-Giroux
  • Cousins-Halliday-Hodgson
  • Sanderson-Zub
  • Kleven-Spence
  • Matinpalo-Jensen
  • Ullmark (Starting Goalie), Merilainen

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