Full Breakdown
St. Louis Blues Adjust Lineup Ahead of Game Against Minnesota Wild
4/14/2026, 2:50:19 AM
Upcoming Game Details
The St. Louis Blues will host the Minnesota Wild on April 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. Central Time. This matchup comes as the Blues have been eliminated from playoff contention, while the Wild are preparing for their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars, set to begin on April 30.
Lineup Changes for the Blues
In anticipation of the game, the Blues will implement changes to three of their forward lines. Pius Suter will move up to the second line, with Pavel Buchnevich shifting to wing. Jonathan Drouin will return to the third line, replacing Jonatan Berggren, and Jack Finley will take Oskar Sundqvist's spot on the fourth line alongside Alexey Toropchenko and Otto Stenberg. Head Coach Jim Montgomery emphasized the importance of personal pride and competition in these final games, stating, "We're just trying to see who's going to compete in these games."
Head Coach's Perspective
Montgomery has expressed high expectations for his players despite the team's lack of playoff prospects. He highlighted the significance of maintaining competitive spirit, noting, "You only have so many games in your career, and do you want to look back and lay an egg in one of these games where you could have been good for your team?" This sentiment reflects a focus on individual performance and team representation as the season concludes.
Minnesota Wild's Playoff Preparations
Conversely, the Minnesota Wild are focused on strategic decisions as they prepare for the playoffs. With a solid roster led by star winger Kirill Kaprizov, the Wild have clinched a playoff spot but face critical lineup choices, particularly regarding their goaltending situation. Head Coach John Hynes must decide between veteran Cam Talbot and up-and-coming Filip Gustavsson for the starting role in Game 1 against the Dallas Stars. The Wild's recent playoff history has been challenging, and they aim to advance past the first round this year.
Implications for Both Teams
The outcome of the Blues' final games could influence player evaluations and future roster decisions, while the Wild's performance will be crucial for their postseason aspirations. As both teams approach this pivotal moment in the season, the focus remains on individual contributions and strategic alignments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're just trying to see who's going to compete in these games,” — Jim Montgomery, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues
- “I said this after the first period in Chicago, you only have so many games in your career, and do you want to look back and you want to lay an egg in one of these games where you could have been good for your team?” — Jim Montgomery, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues
What's Next
The Blues will continue to assess player performances in their remaining games, while the Wild will finalize their roster decisions leading up to their playoff series against the Dallas Stars.
