Blues Jim Montgomery credits best player in road win vs. Sabres

Published: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 5:36 am

Blues Shutout Victory Snaps Losing Streak

The St. Louis Blues secured a crucial 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, ending a four-game losing streak. The win, marked by a strong defensive performance and stellar goaltending, provided a much-needed boost for the team. Head Coach Jim Montgomery had been vocal about the need for improvement following a recent string of losses, and the team responded with a determined effort.

Backup goaltender Joel Hofer was the standout performer, delivering a flawless performance with 27 saves for his third career NHL shutout. Montgomery lauded Hofer's performance, highlighting his impact on the game. The victory came just a day after a significant loss to the Washington Capitals, which prompted Montgomery to make adjustments to the team's lineup, including scratching forward Jordan Kyrou.

The Blues' improved effort was evident throughout the game. They displayed a strong physical presence, blocked numerous shots, and successfully killed all penalty kill opportunities. Offensively, Mathieu Joseph scored a short-handed goal, while also assisting on goals by Nick Bjugstad and Justin Faulk.

With the win, the Blues improved their record to 5-8-2, halting a streak of eight losses in nine games. The team's defensive commitment was particularly noteworthy, with 19 blocked shots and no power-play goals allowed. The victory suggests that Montgomery's message regarding commitment and discipline is beginning to resonate with the team.

The Blues now look ahead to a four-game home stand, starting Saturday. They will face the Seattle Kraken, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Las Vegas Golden Knights, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

BNN's Perspective: The Blues' victory is a positive sign for a team that has struggled recently. While one game doesn't erase a losing streak, the defensive intensity and goaltending performance are encouraging. The team's ability to respond to the coach's demands will be crucial as they navigate their upcoming home games. Consistency will be key for the Blues to climb back into contention.

Keywords: St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Joel Hofer, shutout, Jim Montgomery, NHL, hockey, victory, losing streak, Mathieu Joseph, defense, goaltending, road win, blocked shots, penalty kill

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