As the St. Louis Blues navigate the early stages of the 2025-26 NHL season, several players have distinguished themselves through their recent performances. This week's standouts include a mix of emerging talents and established veterans who have significantly contributed to the team's efforts. Despite the team's recent struggles, with a seven-game losing streak, these players have provided sparks of optimism and demonstrated the potential for a turnaround.
Nick Bjugstad has emerged as a surprising force in the offensive zone. The bottom-six forward exceeded expectations by scoring two goals and adding an assist this past week. His best performance came on Saturday, where he not only scored a crucial goal to bring the Blues within one but also recorded a team-high seven shots on goal. Bjugstad's 14:16 of ice time in that game was the most he played all week, underscoring his growing importance to the team. His increasing shot volume indicates his growing comfort and integration into the Blues' system.
Dylan Holloway is showing signs of heating up after a slow start to the season. With just two goals and four assists in the first 12 games, Holloway's performance last week was a welcome change. In four games, he scored a goal and contributed two assists, doubling his production from the previous eight games. During Saturday's game, Holloway registered six shots on goal, the second-highest on the team, signaling a potential return to the form that saw him on pace for a 30-goal season before a late-season injury.
Dalibor Dvorsky, despite only playing in two games last week, has made a positive impact on the ice. Filling in for the injured Robert Thomas, Dvorsky averaged just under 16 minutes of ice time and quickly gained the trust of Head Coach Jim Montgomery. Dvorsky's placement on the power play during Thursday's game and his presence on the ice during the final minute of Saturday's game, when the Blues were searching for an equalizer, highlights the coaching staff's confidence in him. While he is still seeking his first NHL goal, Dvorsky's contributions are evident, suggesting it won't be long before he finds the back of the net.
These three players represent different facets of the Blues' roster and their individual contributions offer a glimpse of hope amidst the team's current challenges. Bjugstad's unexpected offensive surge, Holloway's resurgence, and Dvorsky's promising start, all provide encouraging signs for the Blues as they strive to improve their performance and end their losing streak.
