Golden Knights vs. Blues: St. Louis faces both 2026 Stanley Cup Final teams this week

Two Cup Final teams in a row

The Blues face the two teams that played in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, Vegas and Carolina, in consecutive games this week ^[1]. Those two are the Blues' next two opponents ^[2].

If you plan to follow the Blues, the first test is Vegas on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Enterprise Center ^[2][1].

Who the Blues are playing

Vegas is 8-3 and in the Pacific Division ^[3]. The Golden Knights are defending Western Conference champions ^[3]. Carolina won the Stanley Cup in June ^[3].

The Blues are 4-4-1 and in the Central Division ^[3]. Forward Robert Thomas has five points in nine games ^[1].

No changes against Vegas

Head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed the team will use the same forward lines and defense pairings against Vegas, with Joel Hofer in net ^[2]. The Blues will make no changes to their lineup for the game ^[2].

Montgomery said the five home games are against really good NHL teams, and the team is focused on itself ^[2]. The Vegas game is part of a five-game homestand that opened Tuesday ^[1].

How the homestand started

The Blues beat the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 ^[1]. The win avoided a three-game losing streak ^[3].

Philip Broberg scored on a power play at 8:47 of the third period to break a tie ^[3]. He got a new partner at the blue line in that game and pressured the offensive end ^[3].

Montgomery said Broberg's play has improved, saying the defenseman has turned it up to Lamborghini style in the last couple of games ^[3].

Roster moves and Toropchenko's progress

The Blues made a handful of changes to their defensive pairings and called up two forwards due to injuries ^[3]. The Blues placed forward Zach Dean on waivers to be assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL ^[3]. They also assigned forward Dylan Peterson to Springfield ^[3].

Alexey Toropchenko suffered an upper-body injury in the first game of the season ^[2]. His original recovery timeline was six weeks, but he has been back at practice and is progressing well ^[2].

Toropchenko took contact in Wednesday's practice and will take more in Friday's practice, after which Montgomery said he might be close ^[2]. He skated with the team for the fourth time that week on Thursday in an optional morning skate ^[1].

How to watch the Vegas game

The Thursday game against Vegas starts at 7 p.m. and will be available on Blue Note+ and simulcast on First Alert ABC ^[2]. You can listen to the radio feed on 101 ESPN or in the Blues App ^[2].

For lineup watchers, the Blues are using the same forward lines and defense pairings, with Hofer in goal ^[2]. Toropchenko's next contact practice is Friday ^[2].