The St. Louis Blues secured their first preseason victory Thursday, shutting out the Chicago Blackhawks 1-0. Calle Rosen scored the game's sole goal, and Jordan Binnington stopped all 16 shots for the shutout.
Here are three key observations from this hard-fought, physical matchup between longtime rivals:
Oskar Sundqvist's Persistent Effort
Oskar Sundqvist's summer re-signing might have surprised some, given the existing forward depth. Yet, the 2019 Stanley Cup champion clearly values playing for the Blues in St. Louis, even if it means proving his roster spot. Sundqvist is making a strong case for one of the final forward positions. On Thursday, he played 11:58, recording three shots on goal and a blocked shot. In the second period, his penalty kill efforts were notable: after breaking up a scoring chance in his own zone, he carried the puck to create a 2-on-1 with Nathan Walker. Though they didn't score, it was an impressive play that generated a scoring opportunity.
With only one preseason game remaining, Coach Jim Montgomery will soon finalize the roster. Sundqvist has as good a shot as any player to make the team.
Kaskimaki Earns More Ice Time
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, who played in five NHL games last season, has impressed throughout this preseason, scoring in the previous Saturday's game. On Thursday, he was highly active, tying for the team lead in forward shifts with 22 and leading the Blues with six shots. Coach Montgomery continues to give Kaskimaki significant ice time, including power play opportunities, and he wasn't hesitant to shoot. While he didn't score this time, he was a prominent part of the Blues' aggressive offensive push.
Despite likely starting the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) due to multiple injuries, Kaskimaki is a prime candidate for recall if injuries arise. His performance has made it clear he could be back in the NHL at some point during the 2026-27 season.
Physicality Fuels the Team
Physicality has been a recurring theme this preseason, and Thursday's game saw it escalate. The Blues registered 26 hits, with Nathan Walker and Dylan Peterson leading the way with five hits each. Peterson and Ross Johnston stood out for their physical presence. In the second period, when Colton Parayko took a hit against the boards, both Peterson and Johnston reacted from the bench, ready to defend their teammate. Although no incident occurred then, their awareness was evident.
The response came in the third period. Johnston and Anthony Spellacy engaged in a scuffle, resulting in Spellacy receiving a major penalty and game misconduct for a headbutt. Both players also received roughing minors, leading to four minutes of 4-on-4 play, during which Rosen scored the decisive goal. Following this, the Blues dominated the remainder of the period, continually pressuring the Chicago net with bodies in front and a willingness to play physically, even after the whistle. Walker even dropped the gloves late in the game.
The Blues needed to increase their physical engagement, and the team appears to be responding positively. Players seem more comfortable engaging physically, knowing they have teammates backing them up. Johnston is quickly becoming a fan favorite, and Peterson could be as well if he gets called up. The increased physicality injected excitement into the Blues-Blackhawks rivalry, which had been somewhat subdued since 2016. This renewed intensity could ignite animosity between the teams, especially with games scheduled early in the season.
Honorable Mention: Zach Dean
Zach Dean deserves recognition for his performance. He moved the puck effectively and contributed to several scoring chances. His strong showing on Thursday was promising, and the hope is that it continues.
Dean is a player many will want to support. He overcame injury and entered the Player Assistance Program, the specifics of which remain private to protect his well-being. This program supports players facing challenges like mental health and personal issues. While the reasons for his participation are not public and not for speculation, his decision to seek help is commendable. He had a strong game on Thursday, earning applause for his efforts.
Next Game
The Blues wrap up their preseason Saturday night with another matchup against the Blackhawks. Both teams are expected to field lineups close to their NHL-ready rosters, making it a game worth watching.
The regular season is fast approaching. The Hockey Writers will continue to provide coverage as the preseason concludes.
