The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for a crucial showdown against the Detroit Red Wings on October 28th, but they face some challenges. With back-to-back games and travel fatigue, the team decided to skip the morning skate, a strategic move to rest and recover. This decision comes as a blow to the team's morale, especially with the absence of Jake Neighbours, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a right leg injury. The Blues' head coach, Jim Montgomery, expressed his disappointment, highlighting the impact of losing a key player like Neighbours, known for his unwavering effort and competitive spirit. Montgomery's 'next man up' mentality will be put to the test as the team navigates this setback.
The Blues' lineup is in flux, with Robert Thomas also ruled out due to a day-to-day injury. However, there's a silver lining: Jordan Binnington is likely to start in goal, providing a stable presence between the pipes. Montgomery's strategic juggling of lines during pregame warmups hints at a well-prepared team, ready to adapt and overcome.
Despite the challenges, the Blues remain focused on their goal. They understand that adversity can bring out the best in a team, and they're determined to rise to the occasion. As Montgomery said, 'We'll have to pull through while he's on the mend.' The question remains: can the Blues turn this setback into a stepping stone for success against the Red Wings?