Observations from Blues' 3-0 Win Vs. Sabres

The St. Louis Blues responded to Jordan Kyrou's healthy scratch with a strong 3-0 victory against the Buffalo Sabres. Goalie Joel Hofer delivered an impressive performance, recording his first shutout of the season and the third of his career. Secondary scoring from Mathieu Joseph and Nick Bjugstad also contributed to the win at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Thursday, following a poor effort against the Washington Capitals the previous night.

Coach's Tough Decisions

Blues coach Jim Montgomery made the surprising decision to healthy scratch top players Jordan Kyrou and Oskar Sundqvist, with Kyrou’s absence being the most notable. Additionally, Robert Thomas was likely benched for the last 9:18 of the second period. Montgomery emphasized the importance of accountability, stating it applies regardless of a player's status.

Team Response and Effort

Despite playing the second game of back-to-back nights, the Blues showed a rare commitment by participating in a morning skate after their disappointing loss to Washington. Montgomery demanded his players increase their energy, compete harder, and show more intensity, and the team delivered.

Key Takeaways from Thursday’s Game

Joel Hofer’s strong goaltending kept the Sabres scoreless, marking a career milestone.
Secondary scoring from Mathieu Joseph and Nick Bjugstad sparked the offense.
Montgomery’s line changes and healthy scratches sent a clear message about accountability.
The Blues improved dramatically on puck battles and one-on-one competitiveness compared to the previous night.

“It’s holding players accountable, no matter who it is.” — Jim Montgomery

Depending on perspective, the Blues have won two of their last three games or only two in their past ten (2-6-2).

Author's summary: The Blues displayed renewed energy and discipline in their 3-0 win over the Sabres, highlighted by Hofer’s shutout and strong coaching accountability.

The Hockey News — 2025-11-07