The St. Louis Blues are heading into a brutal stretch. Honestly, if you’ve been watching the last few weeks, you know the vibe is... complicated. They just pulled off a massive upset, snapping the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 11-game win streak in a 3-2 shootout thriller on January 16. It was the kind of game that makes you think they might actually turn this season around. But now, the stl blues next game takes them north of the border, and the stakes couldn't be much higher for a team sitting 13th in the Western Conference.
Stl Blues Next Game: Crossing the Border to Face the Oilers
The Blues hit the ice next on Sunday, January 18, 2026, against the Edmonton Oilers. This isn't just another game on the calendar. It’s the start of a three-game gauntlet through Western Canada and the Central Division that will likely decide if GM Doug Armstrong stays "all in" or starts looking toward the draft lottery.
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Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM EST at Rogers Place.
You can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports) or listen in on 101 ESPN. For the folks in St. Louis, it's going to be a late night, but after the grit they showed against Tampa, it might be worth the extra coffee on Monday morning.
The Robert Thomas Sized Hole in the Lineup
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Robert Thomas is out. The team’s leading scorer (33 points in 42 games) was placed on Injured Reserve on January 15 with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to be re-evaluated in about two weeks.
That hurts. A lot.
Thomas isn't just a point-producer; he’s the guy who stirs the drink for the entire top six. Without him, Coach Jim Montgomery has had to get creative. Against Tampa, we saw Otto Stenberg elevated to the top line alongside Brayden Schenn and Jimmy Snuggerud. It’s a young look. Maybe too young? Or maybe exactly the "passion and spirit" Montgomery has been begging for.
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Breaking Down the Oilers Matchup
Edmonton is... Edmonton. They have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. You know the drill. If the Blues' defense plays the way they did during that recent stretch where they gave up seven goals to Chicago, Sunday is going to be a long night.
But there’s a silver lining. Philip Broberg is back.
Broberg, who just signed a six-year extension and then immediately hit the concussion protocol, returned to the lineup for the Tampa game. Having him back on the top pair with Colton Parayko is huge. They’ll need every bit of that reach to keep the Oilers' power play from feasting.
Keys to the Game: What Needs to Go Right
If the Blues want to steal two points in Edmonton, a few things have to happen. It's not just about "trying hard." It's about specific tactical wins.
- Joel Hofer Needs to Stay Hot: Hofer got the nod against the Lightning and looked solid. With Jordan Binnington’s stats wavering (3.53 GAA), Hofer has a real chance to claim the starter's crease. He's currently sporting a .902 save percentage, which, behind this defense, is actually pretty impressive.
- The "Kid Line" Chemistry: We need to see more from Dalibor Dvorsky and Jake Neighbours. Neighbours has been the goal-scoring spark lately (12 goals on the season), but with Thomas out, Dvorsky has to prove he can handle second-line center duties against elite NHL competition.
- Survive the First 10 Minutes: Edmonton thrives on home-ice energy. If the Blues can weather the initial storm and keep it 0-0 or 1-0 after the first, they have a chance to frustrate the Oilers.
Looking Past Sunday
After Edmonton, the schedule doesn't get any easier. The stl blues next game after Sunday is Tuesday, January 20, against the Winnipeg Jets. Winnipeg has been a juggernaut in the Central Division this year. Then they head to Dallas on Friday the 23rd.
It’s a gauntlet.
If they come out of this road trip with four out of six points, the playoff conversation stays alive. If they go 0-3? Well, the "sell" at the trade deadline becomes a lot more likely.
Why the Recent Win Matters
The shootout win over Tampa Bay was a culture win. Jordan Kyrou, who has had an up-and-down year (8 goals, 20 points), scored the lone shootout goal. Seeing him come through in a high-pressure moment is exactly what the fans needed to see.
It showed that even without their best player in Thomas, this group hasn't quit on Montgomery. They’re blocked shots. They’re finishing checks. It’s "Blues Hockey," even if the roster looks a little different than the 2019 glory days.
Practical Steps for Fans
If you're planning on watching or betting on the game, keep an eye on the morning skate reports on Sunday.
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- Check the Goalie: See if Hofer or Binnington is in the starter's net. Hofer is the "hot hand," but Montgomery might go back to the veteran for a big road game.
- Power Play Units: Watch to see if Cam Fowler is still manning the point on the top unit. His puck movement has been a rare bright spot for a power play that ranks 21st in the league.
- Injury Updates: Keep an ear out for any "game-time decision" news regarding the bottom six, as guys like Nick Bjugstad are finally healthy and trying to find their rhythm again.
The Blues are currently five points out of the final wild-card spot. Every game feels like a playoff game right now. Sunday in Edmonton is just the next chapter in what’s becoming a very tense season in St. Louis.
Actionable Insight: Keep a close eye on the first-period shots on goal. If Edmonton outshoots St. Louis by more than double in the first frame, the Blues' lack of center depth without Robert Thomas is likely being exposed, making a comeback nearly impossible in the thin Edmonton air.