Full Breakdown
St. Louis Blues Face Dallas Stars in Preseason Matchup
10/1/2025, 8:05:31 AM
Preseason Context and Team Dynamics
The St. Louis Blues hosted the Dallas Stars at Enterprise Center on September 30, 2023, in a crucial preseason game as both teams prepare for the upcoming NHL regular season, which begins on October 9. The Blues entered the match seeking their first win after a string of disappointing results, including a previous 2-1 shootout loss to the Stars. The game was particularly significant for several players vying for roster spots, including 2023 first-round picks Dalibor Dvorsky, Otto Stenberg, and Theo Lindstein.
Game Overview and Key Performances
The Blues ultimately fell to the Stars with a score of 5-3, marking their fourth consecutive loss in the preseason. Despite the defeat, Dylan Holloway stood out by scoring two goals, while Philip Broberg also contributed with a goal. Jordan Kyrou, in his preseason debut, assisted on both of Holloway's goals, and Pius Suter made his first appearance for the Blues, recording an assist as well. Goaltender Joel Hofer played the entire game, making 25 saves.
Blues Head Coach Jim Montgomery noted the importance of the game for players battling for roster positions, emphasizing the need for strong performances against a competitive Dallas lineup that featured established stars like Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz. Montgomery expressed optimism about the chemistry developing between Suter, Holloway, and Kyrou, stating, “Suter’s biggest strength is his brain and his puck support offensively and defensively.”
Notable Player Insights
Dvorsky, who had struggled early in the preseason, showed signs of improvement but still faced challenges, winning only four of twelve face-offs and finishing with a minus-one rating. Montgomery acknowledged Dvorsky's potential but indicated that he needed to elevate his game further to secure a spot on the opening night roster.
Holloway's performance was particularly noteworthy, as Montgomery praised his relentless effort and ability to create offensive opportunities. “What you love about him is his second- and third-effort on pucks,” Montgomery remarked, highlighting Holloway's work ethic and potential impact on the team.
Criticism and Areas for Improvement
Despite the individual successes, the Blues' overall performance raised concerns. The defensive lapses were evident, as the team allowed multiple goals that could have been prevented. Montgomery pointed out that while the top line scored, they also needed to improve defensively to be effective in the regular season. Additionally, players like Leo Loof and Alexandre Texier faced scrutiny for their performances, with Loof's positioning leading to goals against and Texier failing to make a significant impact.
Looking Ahead
The Blues will continue their preseason with a game against the Ottawa Senators, where they will aim to refine their lineup and solidify roles ahead of the regular season. With only a few games remaining, players like Dvorsky, Stenberg, and Kaskimaki will need to capitalize on their opportunities to secure their places in the final roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Suter’s biggest strength is his brain and his puck support offensively and defensively.” — Jim Montgomery, Head Coach
- “I think I can play in different roles on the team and different lines (and) execute it pretty well.” — Otto Stenberg, Forward
- “Just continue to get better. It’ll be a good test tonight. I think Dallas is bringing a pretty good lineup. It’ll be an NHL-type game and I’m excited for that. You’ve just got to keep building and ultimately have your game where it needs to be by October 9th. Just continuing to work towards that.” — Jake Neighbours, Forward
The Blues' preseason journey continues as they seek to build momentum and finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
