This is it, folks. Another regulation loss for the St. Louis Blues is curtains on the 2025-26 season.
And, naturally, it comes against the biggest rival in this franchise's history, the Chicago Blackhawks. Without further ado, let's go over the three Blues players who have to put up big numbers in this do-or-die matchup.
Jordan Kyrou
If there was ever a time for star forward Jordan Kyrou to break out of his shell, it would be now. He has been struggling all season to maintain consistent contributions, and that has been a big detriment to the Blues.
But, in this singular game against the Blackhwaks, No. 25 has to play as his livelihood depends on it. This season has seen a massive drop-off in goal production, down from 2024-25. Kyrou finished last season with 36 goals, which nearly matched his career-high 37 goals from 2022-23. But in 2025-26, he has lit the lamp only 17 times.
Kyrou has to be the sole difference-maker in this game.
Robert Thomas
Outside of Kyrou, the only other forward to watch for in this hopefully heavy offense game against the Blackhawks would be Robert Thomas. Nobody on this team has been hotter after the Olympic Break, and there is a chance for him to break this thing wide open alongside one of the best first lines in all of hockey.
In 60 games so far this season, he is nearly at a point-per-game player with 22 goals and 36 assists for 58 points. That leads the team in all three major offensive categories. Thomas is on a seven-game point streak entering this affair with Chicago, with six goals and six assists for 12 points in that stretch.
Joel Hofer
Despite the top two forwards above being extremely important, the fate of this 2025-26 season rests in the hands of Joel Hofer. Of course, that is what it is leaning toward, as Jordan Binnington had the last start against Winnipeg, plus, Hofer was in the starter's net at practice on Friday.
Hofer has been electric all season, but it's been tricky against the Blackhawks. He has a 1-1 record, with a Goals Against Average of 5.02 and a save percentage of .824. But, if you look at how his season has gone all along, he is certainly the best choice to put in the net with the season on the line.