The St. Louis Blues look to rid the stink that was the 7-4 loss to Utah. Now, with a tilt against Detroit in their barn, a big turnaround is needed from several players.
Here are three players to watch for.
Logan Mailloux
Ever since his Blues debut, defenseman Logan Mailloux has been struggling. He has already failed enough to earn a seat in the press box, and since his return, it seems like nothing has changed.
It is still very early in the season, and the young defenseman has only appeared in a total of 13 games in his career, but something has to give. This test against the very strong, offensive-minded Red Wings is a good test for him to finally break the stigma.
Robert Thomas
Fresh off of securing his 400th career point in the 7-4 loss to Utah, Robert Thomas has been another struggling player this season. With a goal and four assists on the season, his numbers are way down, and his play so far backs that up.
It also does not help with the revolving door that is the top-six forward group. Head coach Jim Montgomery is working on the lines with each passing game to find something that works and sticks, but time is starting to pass by quickly at this point in the season.
Colton Parayko
Colton Parayko has not gotten off to a terrible start to the year, but this will be his toughest test yet. On the Red Wings side, Dylan Larkin is currently tied for the third-most points in all of the NHL with 13 (6 goals and 7 assists).
The defensive unit has been in question all season long, and much like the forward group, changes have been made up and down the lineup card. If Montgomery decides to keep things as it was during the Utah game, Parayko will still have Cam Fowler alongside him. That duo has been steady this season, with an offensive outburst on the horizon.
But this game is going to really test Parayko's defensive ability. The Red Wings top-six, consisting of Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Mason Appleton, and Lucas Raymond, is a deadly bunch. The Blues goaltending has not been perfect, and should Jordan Binnington should get the start in this one, he is going to need Parayko and company to be at their best.