Projected Lineup: March 17 vs. Washington

Fresh off an action-packed game against the Minnesota Wild, the Blues are in Washington, D.C. to face the 33-29-7 Capitals (6 p.m., BSMW, 101 ESPN). A new face is expected to join the lineup tonight following the two-game suspension of Jordan Binnington. Joel Hofer will make his Blues season debut.
"[Hofer's] got a lot of swagger to his game," Blues Head Coach Craig Berube said. "Mentally, he's up for the challenge. He exudes a lot of confidence in his game and has good ability."

Hofer's NHL debut started off strong with a win against the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 3, 2021, where he recorded a 5-3 win. The 22-year old goaltender has been successful with the Springfield Thunderbirds, accumulating a 22-14-4 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in the 2022-23 season thus far -- including one career goal during the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Outside of a new goaltender, the Blues won't see much change in their lineup. Forward Josh Leivo is expected to return to the fourth line, taking the place of Tyler Pitlick. Robert Bortuzzo will also rejoin Torey Krug on the third defensive pair, a day ahead of his 34th birthday.
Here is the projected lineup based on Friday's morning skate at Capital One Arena:

Projected Lineup

Forwards
Toropchenko - Thomas - Kyrou
Vrana - Buchnevich - Kapanen
Saad - Schenn - Blais
Walker - Brown - Leivo
Defense
Leddy - Parayko
Scandella - Faulk
Krug - Bortuzzo
Goalie
Hofer