Brandon Saad's impending contract termination has opened a door for Alexandre Texier on the St. Louis Blues' roster. With coach Jim Montgomery expressing confidence in Texier, he has been placed on a line with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich ahead of their season opener against the Colorado Avalanche. Texier, eager to capitalize on this opportunity, acknowledges that he needs to simplify his game and focus on positioning to maximize his contributions.

Despite a challenging season with only eight points so far, Texier aims to regain his footing, having recently overcome a series of setbacks including injuries and being a healthy scratch. Montgomery noted the potential of Texier when he previously collaborated with Thomas and Buchnevich, highlighting their synergy on the ice. With the Blues seeking a wild card spot, Texier's performance will be crucial as he aims to prove his worth to the team.

As the NHL season progresses, it's essential to evaluate fantasy hockey rosters and identify players who may no longer be worth holding onto. While some stars like Brady Tkachuk may be struggling statistically, their underlying usage suggests a rebound is imminent. In contrast, players like Thatcher Demko and Charlie Lindgren are becoming less reliable, with poor statistics indicating it's time for managers to explore trade options or replacements on the waiver wire.

For instance, Lindgren is overshadowed by Logan Thompson's outstanding performance in Washington, making him less valuable in fantasy terms. Similarly, Jake DeBrusk's recent output has been lackluster, and while patience may be warranted for Elias Pettersson and Sam Bennett, other players like Casey Mittelstadt, Trevor Moore, and Tyson Foerster are better off being dropped as they struggle to contribute meaningfully. Meanwhile, others like Pavel Buchnevich and Ivan Barbashev still have the potential to turn it around, provided they are given more playing time. It's crucial for fantasy managers to make these tough decisions to optimize their lineups moving forward.

The St. Louis Blues faced another disappointing defeat, losing 4-2 to the Utah Hockey Club, further complicating their bid for a playoff spot this season. Despite goals from Tyler Tucker and Jake Neighbours and Jordan Binnington's 29 saves, the team struggled to maintain momentum after two previous wins against Calgary. This loss leaves the Blues three points behind the Flames for the second wild card in the Western Conference.

The Blues' inability to string together a three-game winning streak remains a significant concern, as they are now the only team in the league yet to achieve this feat after 47 games. Their record stands at 0-7-1 in such situations, highlighting a troubling trend of missed opportunities.

The first period of the game was marked by a lack of urgency from the Blues' top line, who were outplayed by Utah's front line. The Blues fell behind quickly, and despite a brief lead early in the game, they were unable to recover. The team's poor defensive play was evident, especially in their failure to contain Utah's key players, including Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz, who consistently found ways to score.

Moreover, the Blues squandered three power-play opportunities in the final period, managing just one shot on goal during six minutes with an extra man, showcasing a lack of effectiveness during critical moments. Post-game comments from players and coaches reflected disappointment in not matching Utah's level of desperation, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of their approach as they aim to stay competitive in the playoff race.

Robert Thomas led the St. Louis Blues to a resounding 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, scoring two goals in a game where the Blues showcased their offensive prowess. Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich each contributed with a goal and an assist, while Tyler Tucker and Dylan Holloway also found the net. Joel Hofer made 22 saves, keeping the Ducks at bay, as St. Louis dominated early.

The Blues scored three quick goals within the first six minutes, with Thomas, Tucker, and Kyrou lighting the lamp. Holloway added another goal later in the period, capping a strong first showing. Despite seeing Lukas Dostal give up six goals before being replaced, the Ducks managed to score two goals, courtesy of Nikita Nesterenko and Sam Colangelo.

The St. Louis Blues triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a decisive 6-2 victory during the NHL Winter Classic held at Wrigley Field. This outdoor game marked a significant milestone for defenseman Cam Fowler, who celebrated his 1,000th game by scoring two goals, showcasing his prowess on the ice. The Blackhawks, historically struggling in the Winter Classic, now hold a dismal record of 1-6, having netted only 17 goals across seven appearances in this unique setting.

Fans were treated to a picturesque scene as Wrigley Field was transformed into a winter wonderland, providing a stunning backdrop for the match. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a bagpipe procession that made its way to the iconic ballpark, adding to the festive spirit of the event. The first period saw Fowler score early, assisted by Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas, quickly putting the Blues in the lead. Jordan Kyrou doubled the advantage shortly after, but the Blackhawks managed to score before the end of the period, leaving the score at 2-1.

As the game progressed, the Blues dominated the third period, with goals from Justin Faulk, Dylan Holloway, and Fowler again, pushing their lead to 5-1. Despite a goal from Tyler Bertuzzi for the Blackhawks, Alexandre Texier's quick response solidified the Blues' victory. The win improved St. Louis's record to 18-17, while Chicago fell to 12-24.