St Louis Blues News

The Blues snapped in a three-game losing skid in their final game before the holiday break, courtesy of a 4-0 shutout victory by Jordan Binnington over the Detroit Red Wings. However, they will revert to Hofer on Friday against the Nashville Predators. Hofer saved 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers. The 24-year-old Hofer has a 2.63 GAA and .909 SV% in 12 games this season (7-3-1). The Blues enter Friday's contest as +118 home underdogs against a Nashville Predators club with points in four straight (3-0-1).

The Blues snapped in a three-game losing skid in their final game before the holiday break, courtesy of a 4-0 shutout victory by Jordan Binnington over the Detroit Red Wings. However, they will revert to Hofer on Friday against the Nashville Predators. Hofer saved 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers. The 24-year-old Hofer has a 2.63 GAA and .909 SV% in 12 games this season (7-3-1). The Blues enter Friday's contest as +118 home underdogs against a Nashville Predators club with points in four straight (3-0-1).

Scott Perunovich will be a healthy scrartch on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, allowing Tucker to re-enter the lineup. The 24-year-old Tucker made his season debut last week. He has 10 points (4G / 6A) in 19 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) this season.

With Radek Faksa sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Joseph will re-enter the lineup for the Blues on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. The 27-year-old Joseph is averaging 12:08 time-on-ice and has four points (2G / 2A) in 22 games. He has zero points in his last 13 games.

Binnington has lost five straight but will return to the crease on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite his inability to win lately, Binnington has played well, allowing three or fewer goals in eight of his last 10 games (3-5-2), posting a respectable .908 SV%. The Blue enter Monday's contest as slight -100 road underdogs against a Red Wings club outscored 9-4 during a two-game losing skid.

Broberg did not play in yesterday's 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning and could miss a second consecutive game on Friday against the Florida Panthers. The 23-year-old Broberg is averaging 21:01 time-on-ice and has 12 points (2G / 10A) in 21 games.

Tucker will get the opportunity to make his season debut for the Blues as he fills in for late scratch Phillip Broberg (illness). Tucker has two goals and four assists in 52 career games with the Blues.

Broberg was absent at Thursday's morning skate and will ultimately be held out of the Blues lineup due to the illness. Tyler Tucker will draw into the lineup in his place.

Alexandre Texier will draw back into the Blues' lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, resulting in Sundqvist being a healthy scratch. The 30-year-old Sundqvist is averaging 12:21 time-on-ice and has three points (2G / 1A) in 23 games this season. He has been held off the scoresheet in nine straight.

Binnington allowed three goals on 27 shots (.889 SV%) in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils but will return to the crease on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 31-year-old Binnington has a 2.94 GAA and .898 SV% in 24 games this season (8-12-3). He saved 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%) in a 3-2 win over Tampa Bay on November 5th. The Blues enter Thursday's contest as +190 road underdogs against a Lightning team riding a three-game winning streak.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph was acquired in a trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, opening up a roster spot on the Blues' blueline, potentially to be filled by Tucker. The 24-year-old Tucket has 52 games of NHL experience but has primarily played in the AHL. He has 10 points (4G / 6A) in 19 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) this season.