Blues vs. Avalanche: Gameday Lineup Revealed

Jonatan Berggren will have a chance to reassert himself in the St. Louis Blues lineup as they face the Colorado Avalanche. This game marks the end of 2025 for the Blues (15-17-8) and will be held at Denver’s Ball Arena at 8 p.m. Both teams are looking to solidify their standings in a competitive NHL season. The Avalanche (29-2-7), noted for their impressive home record of 16-0-2, poses a significant challenge for the Blues.

Blues Update: Berggren Returns to the Lineup

Berggren, a 25-year-old forward, joined the Blues from the Detroit Red Wings via waivers on December 16. He made an impressive start with two goals and two assists in his first four games. However, recent performances led to him being a healthy scratch against the Buffalo Sabres.

“I played really good the first three games and then the last two were not to my standard,” Berggren reflected. He seems optimistic after taking time to observe the game from above, suggesting it helped him reset. Coach Jim Montgomery believes Berggren possesses the skills and speed needed to contribute effectively. “He thinks the game at their level,” Montgomery stated, underscoring Berggren’s importance in generating offense.

Kessel and Line Adjustments

Matthew Kessel will also make his return to the lineup, replacing Logan Mailloux. Kessel’s time off has been due to five consecutive games as a healthy scratch. Both he and Cam Fowler will need to enhance their performance after a tough outing against the Sabres.

Preparing to Face the Avalanche

The Avalanche are a formidable opponent, leading the NHL with a +66 goal differential, having scored 153 goals while allowing only 87. The team’s powerful lineup features stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, making the upcoming game a crucial test for the Blues.

Montgomery noted, “This is the best start by any team ever,” highlighting the urgency the Blues must bring into the game. The coach emphasized the importance of detail and preparation against such a high-caliber opponent.

Projected Lineups

• Blues Projected Lineup:
  • Jonatan Berggren – Robert Thomas – Pavel Buchnevich
  • Jake Neighbours – Brayden Schenn – Jimmy Snuggerud
  • Otto Stenberg – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jordan Kyrou
  • Alexey Toropchenko – Oskar Sundqvist – Robby Fabbri
• Defense:
  • Philip Broberg – Colton Parayko
  • Tyler Tucker – Justin Faulk
  • Cam Fowler – Matthew Kessel
• Goaltending:
  • Jordan Binnington (starter)
  • Joel Hofer (backup)

Avalanche Projected Lineup

• Gabriel Landeskog – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
• Artturi Lehkonen – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
• Victor Olofsson – Ross Colton – Gavin Brindley
• Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Joel Kiviranta

• Defense:
  • Devon Toews – Cale Makar
  • Josh Manson – Brent Burns
  • Samuel Girard – Sam Malinski
• Goaltending:
  • Mackenzie Blackwood (starter)
  • Scott Wedgewood (backup)

As both teams prepare for this heavy matchup, the Blues aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Avalanche’s defense, while remaining aware of the challenges posed by their formidable opponents.