Blues Head to Chicago for First Regular-Season Clash With Blackhawks
St. Louis visits Chicago for its first regular-season meeting with the Blackhawks after splitting a physical preseason set. The Blues are missing Alexey Toropchenko for at least six weeks because of an upper-body injury, opening a lineup spot for Dillon Dube or Zach Dean. Dalibor Dvorsky has two goals in two games, while Joel Hofer opened with a 25-save shutout and Jordan Binnington struggled in the next start.
St. Louis enters Chicago at 1-1-0, while the Blackhawks are 0-3-0. The teams split two preseason games that included several fights, and this is their first regular-season matchup this season. Alexey Toropchenko is sidelined at least six weeks with an upper-body injury, leaving Dillon Dube or Zach Dean to fill a lineup spot.
Dalibor Dvorsky has scored twice in two games. Joel Hofer made 25 saves in a season-opening shutout, but Jordan Binnington allowed six goals in the next start. St. Louis has killed all eight penalties it has faced. Logan Mailloux and Tyler Tucker are also listed as injured.
The injury to Alexey Toropchenko may test St. Louis's forward depth, giving Dillon Dube or Zach Dean a chance to earn a larger role. Fans could see the Chicago rivalry carry extra intensity after a fight-filled preseason. If Joel Hofer keeps outperforming Jordan Binnington, the club may face questions about workload and goaltending usage. For supporters, early results and player health may shape expectations and local discussion around the team.