St. Louis Blues Interim Coach Drew Bannister Keeps Winning Lineup for Matchup Against Dallas Stars
ICARO Media Group
In his NHL coaching debut, Drew Bannister led the St. Louis Blues to victory against the Ottawa Senators, and he has decided to stick with the same lineup for their upcoming game against the Dallas Stars. Bannister held an optional practice ahead of Saturday's matchup but ultimately chose to maintain consistency by using the same lines during Friday's practice at Enterprise Center.
One of the standout lines for the Blues in their previous win consisted of Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyou. The trio combined for an impressive six points, contributing three goals and three assists. Bannister expressed his satisfaction with their performance, stating, "That line was outstanding. Robby had a really good game, and I think there were some bright spots for Jordan. That was one of the big reasons we wanted to get him back there. They've had a lot of success in the past."
Bannister recognizes the importance of getting Jordan Kyrou back on track and believes that keeping this strong line intact is the best way to help him reach his potential. The Blues' interim head coach has high expectations for Kyrou and hopes that this opportunity will unleash his full potential.
The Blues will face a tough challenge as they host the Dallas Stars, who will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. The Stars secured a come-from-behind victory over the Senators on Friday, showcasing their ability to play well under pressure. Bannister acknowledges the dangers the Stars present, stating, "They're a team that is comfortable playing from behind. They can score goals. They're dangerous, certainly off the rush, their power play executes at a high standard."
In order to counter the Stars' offensive prowess, Bannister emphasizes the need for an aggressive yet disciplined approach. The Blues will have to play over the top of their opponents while maintaining their composure and avoiding unnecessary penalties. Discipline will be a crucial factor in their strategy for the game.
The confirmed lineup for the Blues' upcoming matchup against the Stars includes Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and Jordan Kyrou as the top line. Brandon Saad, Brayden Schenn, and Kasperi Kapanen will form the second line, followed by Alexey Toropchenko, Kevin Hayes, and Jake Neighbours. Mackenzie MacEachern, Oskar Sundqvist, and Hugh McGing complete the fourth line.
On defense, Nick Leddy and Colton Parayko will pair up, while Torey Krug and Justin Faulk will form another solid duo. Marco Scandella and Tyler Tucker complete the defensive lineup.
Fans can catch all the action on Bally Sports, with the game set to kick off at 7 p.m. local time. The Blues will be eager to build on their recent success and secure another important victory against a formidable opponent.
As Bannister's coaching tenure continues, fans are looking forward to seeing how the Blues will fare under his guidance and whether he can maintain their winning momentum.