NHL · October 13, 2026 · 7:38 PM ET
St. Louis Blues @ Ottawa Senators
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Ottawa Senators on October 13, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Blues show a spark, but their reshuffle still limits upside
St. Louis ended its losing streak with Jimmy Snuggerud scoring twice and Dylan Holloway assisting three times, but Holloway's promotion to the top line reflects broader organizational restructuring rather than a proven offensive breakthrough. The defined forward roles provide clarity, while Jordan Kyrou remains a volatile piece and the team report characterizes the attack as limited in sustained pressure.
SourceOttawa's blue-line plan has taken fresh hits
The Senators' intended defensive reinforcement is complicated by Jake Sanderson being ruled out and Nikolas Matinpalo leaving the Oct. 12 game with an upper-body injury. Thomas Chabot played 27:29 against New Jersey, absorbed extra power-play responsibility after William Eklund's injury, and carries a particularly important workload against St. Louis.
SourceChabot's usage aligns with Ottawa's shoot-first message
Ottawa has specifically emphasized stopping the search for perfect plays and getting pucks to the net. With Chabot leading the defense in power-play minutes after Eklund's injury and coming off a 27:29 outing, his offensive involvement is more actionable than a generic team total.
The Senators bring confidence and physical intent home
Despite their difficult position, Brady Tkachuk said Ottawa's confidence and belief are as high as ever, while Travis Green endorsed his confrontational physical style. That supports an engaged home effort, although the Senators are also coming off the second half of a back-to-back after Monday's win in New Jersey.
SourceSt. Louis' fringe lineup creates clear shot-volume fades
Zach Dean practiced as an extra outside the four forward lines, and Theo Lindstein was outside all three defensive pairs. Dillon Dube was also deemed doubtful after a precautionary neck MRI, reinforcing the case for unders on Blues players whose roles or availability are already compromised.
Pick Ideas
Thomas Chabot over shots on goal
Chabot's 27:29 workload against New Jersey, expanded power-play role after Eklund's injury, and Ottawa's explicit shoot-first message create a strong usage-based case for his shots over. Sanderson's absence further concentrates puck-moving and offensive responsibility on Chabot.
Shane Pinto over points
Pinto scored off an Amadio rush feed in Ottawa's latest game and is expected to center Amadio and Giroux. That recent finish fits the Senators' broader opportunistic depth-production signal, making his point over more appealing than a generic Ottawa scoring angle.
Zach Dean under shots on goal
Dean skated as an extra outside St. Louis' four forward lines, following a recent fourth-line assignment. With the Blues still restructuring their lineup and offering limited sustained offensive upside, his shot volume is difficult to support without regular deployment.
Theo Lindstein under shots on goal
Lindstein was listed as an extra defenseman outside all three Blues pairings, sharply weakening the ice-time path needed for offensive activity. St. Louis' defensive roles may be clearer overall, but Lindstein's specific status points toward a low-volume outing.
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