The St. Louis Blues host the hottest team in the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on Friday. After the Blues were able to set a franchise-record 12-game win streak last season, the Lightning have that same opportunity tonight, with their 12th win being a franchise-record.
Full cirlce moment is potentially incoming here.
There are some key injuries surrounding this game, with the Blues taking a heavy hit with the absence of Robert Thomas. Can this banged-up roster, with three key players in particular, step up and play spoiler for this generational run by the Lightning?
Jordan Kyrou
It seems like every single game that Jordan Kyrou is a player to watch, and yet, he is not much to watch at all. The last time that he scored a goal was on December 1 against Anaheim. His eight goals on the season thus far have him on pace for 14 goals this season, which would tie for the lowest amount since his first "full" season with the Blues in 2020-21, in which the season was cancelled due to COVID.
If the Blues stand any chance of beating the streak, Kyrou has to be an x-factor. Otherwise, the trade rumors will keep getting stronger with each disappointing showing.
Nick Bjugstad
In his first game back from injury against the Carolina Hurricanes, Nick Bjugstad was adequate and solid. He scored a goal in the 3-0 shutout victory, and delivered three shots on goal and a hit. The lines are going to be shuffled around without Thomas, and in particular, the centers.
These lines from practice yesterday could give a glimpse at how the Blues will roll out, and who Bjugstad will be centering.
#stlblues practice lines (1/15):
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) January 15, 2026
Stenberg-Schenn-Snuggerud
Neighbours-Dvorsky-Kyrou
Buchnevich-Bjugstad-Berggren
Toropchenko-Sundqvist-Walker
Fabbri
* Thomas; Joseph not skating
Fowler-Parayko
Tucker-Faulk
Mailloux-Kessel
* Broberg is extra
Hofer
Binnington
Brayden Schenn
Looking at those practice lines, it appears that Schenn will move up, and Dvorsky will be right behind him on line two. Schenn, who rightfully so earns the top spot, has to really work hard to keep it for now, as Dvorsky was an x-factor in the win against Carolina. The Captain has proven to stick up for his teammates when needed, but with fists instead of goals.
Can Schenn help set the tone and impact the scoreboard in this game?