NHL · January 9, 2026
St. Louis Blues @ Utah Mammoth
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Utah Mammoth on January 9, 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
Hofer Gets the Call in Road Matchup
Joel Hofer gets the start for St. Louis on the road against Utah, giving the 25-year-old goaltender another opportunity to build on his recent experience. Hofer has appeared in three games this season with a 6.22 GAA, so this will be a chance for him to improve his performance away from home against a Mammoth team that is 10-7-1 at home.
Utah's Hot October vs. Recent Struggles
Utah opened the season dramatically with an 8-3-0 record in October, but has cooled significantly with a 13-17-3 mark since. The Mammoth currently sit 4th in the Central Division at 21-20-3, making this a critical matchup for both teams' playoff positioning.
St. Louis Forwards Lead Offensive Push
Jake Neighbours leads the Blues with 6 goals in 8 games, while Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich provide secondary scoring punch. The Blues' depth at forward should create matchup opportunities against a Utah defense that has allowed 125 goals this season.
Goaltending Differential
Jordan Binnington holds a 2-3-1 record with a 3.12 GAA for St. Louis, while Utah's Vejmelka and Vanecek have split duties. The net battle between Hofer and Utah's inconsistent goalie situation could determine the outcome.
Blues Seeking Road Consistency
St. Louis will look to stabilize on the road after mixed results away from home. With Neighbours, Kyrou, and Buchnevich producing offense, the Blues have the firepower to exploit Utah's defensive vulnerabilities in the second half of the season.
Pick Ideas
Blues Moneyline
St. Louis has depth advantages and more consistent forward production. Take the Blues as a road underdog against a Utah team showing second-half fatigue.
Over 6.5 Total Goals
Utah has allowed 125 goals this season while St. Louis has scored consistently. The pace of this matchup should produce goals from both ends of the ice.
Neighbours Anytime Goal Scorer
The 23-year-old has 6 goals in just 8 games and leads the Blues offense. Neighbours is a strong play to find the back of the net in Utah.
First Period Over 1.5 Goals
Both teams have shown early offensive tendencies. Look for a goal-heavy opening period from this matchup.