Justin Barron Expected To Make Blues Debut Against Sharks; Theo Lindstein To Be A Healthy Scratch

After two consecutive losses, coach Jim Montgomery is electing to make some changes to his lineup, as Justin Barron will make his St. Louis and season debut on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks.

The Blues claimed Barron off waivers after Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux went down with long-term injuries. The 24-year-old has played 208 NHL games in his career and played 52 last season with the Nashville Predators.

Exiting the lineup is surprisingly Lindstein. Through three games, Lindstein has recorded one assist while averaging 14:49 of ice time. According to NaturalStatTrick.com, Lindstein has been on the ice for two goals for and two goals against at 5-on-5. Additionally, the Blues have posted a Corsi For percentage of 43.68 percent and an expected goals percentage of 40.78 percent.

"We need to get guys in," said Montgomery of his decision to scratch Lindstein in favor of Barron. "It's not a reflection on Lindstein's play. I do think he has to be more impactful in the game himself, but we are giving an opportunity getting Barron in a game."

Another key factor in Montgomery's decision to play Barron over Lindstein is that Barron will play on his off-side with Colton Parayko. That defensive pairing will consist of two right-handed defensemen. 

The rest of the defense pairs will stay the same: Philip Broberg alongside Adam Jiricek on the top pair and Cam Fowler with Brandon Carlo on the third pairing. 

Up front, Montgomery won't be making any changes to his lineup besides swapping Jonatan Berggren with Pavel Buchnevich. Berggren will move to the second line with Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael, while Buchnevich slots on the right wing with Jake Neighbours and Dalibor Dvorsky.

Zach Dean will remain the extra forward as Ross Johnston and Dillon Dube hold down their roles on the fourth line. 

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