The St. Louis Blues have an opportunity to gain some ground on the Western Conference wildcard race against a team that is lower than themselves in the Central Division rankings. Traveling up to Manitoba, the next opponent will be the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night, in the second match of the four-game season series.
Here are three players to watch for wearing the Blue Note. These players will be crucial if this team wants to pick up a much-needed two points.
Joel Hofer
Following another abysmal performance from goaltender Jordan Binnington, the netminders will likely switch again, with Joel Hofer getting the nod. Hofer has been one of the hottest goaltenders in the NHL as of late, and with how awful the franchise-leading in wins has been, it has made the case for trading Binnington a much more realistic solution to the Blues' goaltending issues.
Hofer has a record of 11-9-2, with a Goals Against Average of 2.76 and a save percentage of .905. All of those numbers are respectable and remarkable considering how the beginning of the season went for No. 30. If given this start, and another standout performance should occur, it could be the end of Binnington's tenure as the "starter" for the Blues and potentially Team Canada at the Olympics.
Also, it is worth mentioning that in the first game of this season series between these two, Hofer started and shut out the Jets.
Brayden Schenn
The captain is always a player to watch for, but playing against a Central Division rival like Winnipeg really puts him in the spotlight. After the seven-game series last season ended so sourly for the Blues, and how chippy the first meeting was between these two teams back on December 17, Brayden Schenn will likely have to step up for his teammates once again.
Hopefully, instead of fisticuffs, he can step up in a more productive way for his team, like contributing a goal or key assist.
Dylan Holloway
Dylan Holloway returned from his lengthy injury against the Edmonton Oilers, and did not make too much of an impact on the game. In 12:45 of ice time, he did contribute three shots on net, which was tied for the team-high, but was a -2 with a giveaway as well. It was great seeing No. 81 back on ice, but it would have been better if he were able to score on his former team.
He can redeem himself with his second outing against Winnipeg. Head coach Jim Montgomery will likely have Holloway out there a bit longer this time around, which could give him more chances to become an x-factor in this game.