Blues Interim Head Coach Drew Bannister is making changes to the first and second lines in search of more offense on Thursday night when the St. Louis Blues continue their road trip against the New Jersey Devils (6 p.m. CT, ESPN, 101 ESPN).
In Thursday’s morning skate at Prudential Center, Brandon Saad was on the first line with Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, while Pavel Buchnevich shifted to the second line with Jake Neighbours and Brayden Schenn.
“Just changing up those top two lines, giving us a little different look,” Bannister said. “Try to get more offensive out of more than just the one line right now… I think (Brandon Saad) has played very well here over the last week to two weeks for us. Bump him up to that first line and see how he continues to play and hopefully he can help (Thomas and Kyrou) out, too.”
In addition, it appears that Scott Perunovich will re-enter the lineup, replacing Tyler Tucker on defense.
Jordan Binnington is expected to start in goal.
“We’re fighting for two playoff spots right now,” Bannister said. “Even Vegas has stumbled a little bit here, so we’re not too far off of them, either. We have to start putting some wins together and start closing the gap.”
