The St. Louis Blues have not been able to compete with the Nashville Predators this season, losing both matchups so far by a score of 4-12. Both of these teams are still circling the drain of the Central Division, but both are still in contention for a wildcard spot in the Western Conference.
There are three players to watch for on the Blues side that can really make a difference. Now that this team has spent some much-needed time at home during the Christmas break, hopefully it is a reset.
Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas has been the best player on this Blues team all season long, and he is going to have to be the best player for the rest of the season. With injuries still hurting this lineup, there is still quite a bit of time until they are at full strength. Until then, Thomas has to lead the charge toward the Playoffs.
In both matchups against Nashville, he has a lone goal and a -3 on the ice. He has to be able to breakthrough against a suspect defensive unit.
Dalibor Dvorsky
The last time these two teams played was on December 15, the Blues lost 5-2. With three shots on goal, Dalibor Dvorsky was able to pot both of the goals for the Blues, in the first multi-goal game of his career.
With that said, he will have to be great once again, and hope that his teammates back him up.
Joel Hofer / Jordan Binnington
This is going to be an interesting situation. Joel Hofer should get the start in the net, as his chances of becoming the starter are polarizing in his direction. Jordan Binnington has seemingly lost the battle, although there is no official decision.
There is no word on who will be suiting up for the first game following the Christmas break, and this gets even more interesting with the recent two losses against the Predators. Binnington allowed six goals on 25 shots in the first loss on December 11, and then Hofer allowed four goals on 25 shots in the second loss on December 15.
Whoever gets the nod has a chance at redemption.