The Buffalo Sabres returned to the ice Thursday night to face a struggling St. Louis Blues team. The Blues currently hold a 4-8-2 record this season and have gone 1-6-2 in their last nine games, including a 6-1 loss to the Washington Capitals the previous night.
In search of solutions, the Blues have made a surprising move by healthy scratching Jordan Kyrou. Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic reported that head coach Jim Montgomery explained the choice:
“Many players could have been scratched after last night’s game, and ultimately I decided on this group tonight.”
Kyrou, who started the season coming off three consecutive 30+ goal campaigns, has been one of the Blues' top performers. He is currently tied for second on the team in both goals and points and has been productive against the Sabres, tallying nine points in ten career games.
This decision benefits the Buffalo Sabres, as they avoid facing one of the Blues' most dangerous offensive threats.
Author's summary: The Blues' choice to scratch star player Jordan Kyrou provides a strategic edge for the Sabres as they face a beaten St. Louis squad desperate for a turnaround.