Observations from Blues' 3-0 Win Vs. Sabres

The St. Louis Blues responded to Jordan Kyrou's healthy scratch with a strong 3-0 victory against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. After a poor performance the previous night against the Washington Capitals, the team showed a renewed effort.

Key Performances and Coaching Decisions

Goalie Joel Hofer was sharp, earning his first shutout of the season and the third of his career. Mathieu Joseph and Nick Bjugstad contributed with important secondary scoring. Coach Jim Montgomery made the surprising decision to healthy scratch top players Jordan Kyrou and Oskar Sundqvist, holding players accountable regardless of stature. Montgomery also appeared to sit Robert Thomas for part of the second period, emphasizing discipline and commitment.

Team's Response

Although it is uncommon on the second night of back-to-back games, the Blues held a morning skate after the disappointing showing in Washington. Their current record of 5-8-2 can be seen as having won two of the last three games or only two wins in the past ten.

Montgomery's Message

Montgomery wanted guys digging in, life, juice, compete and battle from his players and got it.

The Blues showed much better effort in loose pucks, wall battles, and 1-on-1 contests compared to the previous game.

Standout Contributions

Joel Hofer’s goaltending was a critical factor in the shutout.
Mathieu Joseph and Nick Bjugstad added crucial secondary offense.
The fourth line and defenseman Faulk also had strong performances.

This collective effort helped reverse the Blues' recent struggles and sent a clear message about accountability and effort within the team.

Author's Summary: The Blues' disciplined response to internal challenges, highlighted by Hofer’s shutout and strong team effort, showcased renewed commitment and accountability under Coach Montgomery’s leadership.

The Hockey News — 2025-11-07