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Philip Broberg and two Blues x-factors as an offensive juggernaut, Vegas, rolls into town

ByJustin Bonhard
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Oct 20, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg (6) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg (6) is congratulated by teammates after scoring against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Entering the second game of a five-game homestand, the St. Louis Blues host the Vegas Golden Knights at the Enterprise Center on Thursday night. This is going to be one of the toughest tests for the Blues so far in 2026-27, and could be a turning point if it results in a win.

Vegas is an offensive powerhouse, with an NHL-leading 43 goals forced through 11 games of play. They are atop the Pacific Division at 8-3-0, and their superstars, Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel, are turning it up a notch in "Sin City".

It is going to take a complete team effort from the Blues, and these X-Factors are going to be at the forefront of it. Let's talk about it.

Philip Broberg

What is faster than a Lamborghini? At this point, Philip Broberg has to inject some rocket fuel into his skates as he will be forced to face off against the aforementioned Marner and Eichel all night long. He will be flying up and down the ice, and after a solid multi-point showing in the first game of this homestand against the Winnipeg Jets, he will be a crucial part of this game.

Joel Hofer

For head coach Jim Montgomery, this has to be Joel Hofer's net. If Jordan Binnington was to take the start against this fantastic Golden Knight's offense, it would surely be a massacre. Hofer has to once again stand on his head for this one that is a guarantee, but at least it gives this Blues squad more of a chance at victory.

Hofer has been turning it up a notch this season, and for good reason. An opporunity to bet on himself every single night and secure a big bag and the franchise goaltender title is hard to come by. And No. 30 is making the most of it.

Mason McTavish

The 2-1 victory over Winnipeg snapped Mason McTavish's six-game point streak. But all good things come to an end only to start anew. Against a very talented top-six in Vegas, No. 83 is going to have to get back on the horse and start up another streak in this game.

McTavish leads the Blues in points with nine and is tied with Jimmy Snuggerud in goals with five. Expect him to add a couple of tallies in this one, as the Blues try to match the energy of the other side.

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