Bold statement: the drama around the Blues’ return to form starts with a familiar face back in net and a refreshed defensive lineup that could reshape Saturday’s game against New Jersey. But here’s where it gets controversial: does shuffling defense, while keeping forward lines, actually give St. Louis the edge they need to slow down Jack Hughes and the Devils?
Original context remains intact while the wording is uniquely rephrased, with added clarity and gentle expansion for beginner readers. The key facts are preserved: the project lineup for Feb. 28 against New Jersey, Jordan Binnington’s return to the crease, Hughes’ memorable gold-medal overtime goal in Milan, and the current team records after the break. It also notes the forward lines preserved from the 5-1 win over Seattle and the absence of Robert Thomas on personal leave, alongside the defensive adjustments due to Colton Parayko’s back spasms.
Rewritten content:
Projected lineup for Feb. 28 vs. New Jersey
By Elise Butler
St. Louis Blues · February 28, 2026
Jordan Binnington will rejoin the Blues’ crease on Saturday as St. Louis hosts the New Jersey Devils, led by Jack Hughes (game time 4 p.m. CT). This marks the latest clash between the two players since their Canada vs. USA gold-medal matchup in Milan, where Hughes netted the overtime winner.
Since the Olympic break, both players have returned to their respective teams. The Blues have started 1-0 after the break with Binnington back between the pipes, while the Devils currently sit at 0-2 in that stretch with Hughes in the lineup.
St. Louis’ forward lines will stay the same as in the 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. Robert Thomas remains out on a personal leave of absence. Details on his status were announced by the team.
Defensive adjustments are on the docket, however. Colton Parayko is sidelined with back spasms and is listed as day-to-day, with a game-time decision for Saturday and doubtful for Sunday. To compensate, Justin Faulk will slide up to the top pairing with Philip Broberg, and Matthew Kessel will enter as the sixth defenseman.
Projected lineup
Forwards
- Jake Neighbours - Pavel Buchnevich - Jordan Kyrou
- Brayden Schenn - Dalibor Dvorsky - Jimmy Snuggerud
- Dylan Holloway - Pius Suter - Jonatan Berggren
- Alexey Toropchenko - Jack Finley - Nathan Walker
Defense
- Philip Broberg - Justin Faulk
- Cam Fowler - Logan Mailloux
- Tyler Tucker - Matthew Kessel
Goalie
- Jordan Binnington
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a different tone (more casual, more formal) or add a short explainer box that highlights what Parayko’s absence might mean for the Blues’ defensive structure in layman’s terms.
