The St. Louis Blues are set to do battle against the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time this season on Tuesday night. This is going to be a great matchup, as the Blues are still settling into the season with their third game of 2026-27, and the Blackhawks are still winless.
There is another storyline to look at here, with captain Robert Thomas not having to directly face off against one of the NHL's most exciting young players, Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard. This could be what kickstarts Thomas' season.
The next time these teams meet, Bedard might be back in the lineup. Thomas has to take full advantage this time around, as it won't be so easy the next time.
Let's talk about it.
Not a great start for No. 18 so far
Thomas has had a quiet start to the season. He has not been terrible, but not electrifying thus far. Through two games, No. 18 has yet to register a shot on goal and is 17/41 from the faceoff dot.
Certainly not very Thomas-like.
Thankfully, Jimmy Snuggerud has carried this illustrious first line so far. Dylan Holloway has also been sub-par as well, and the Blues are desperately going to need this trio to pick it up. Thomas is the key here.
With an opportunity against the Blackhawks, which Thomas has been very good against. He has five goals and 17 assists in 27 games against the franchise's biggest rival, and this is turning out to be a perfect recipe for getting him going.
Great opportunity to turn it around
Without Bedard in the lineup, this is going to be the only chance Thomas has this year to try and get ahead. Frank Nazar is a fantastic centerman, a solid foe for the Blues captain to go toe-to-toe against. But, he is not anything like Bedard.
The Blues and Blackhawks will face off four times this season, with the next meeting coming on December 4. Bedard should be back by then, as his shoulder injury will be healed.
For the early going of this season, the Blues have had to deal with their Central Division exclusively. Three road games and three rivals already. Thomas' inability to get going against Dallas and Colorado is a bad sign, and if he cannot get off the ground against Chicago, things will start getting dire.
Everyone, pay close attention to No. 18 in the white and blue.
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