NHL · January 18, 2026
St. Louis Blues @ Edmonton Oilers
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Edmonton Oilers on January 18, 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
Holloway's Timely Return
Dylan Holloway makes his return against his former team after missing 15 games with a right high ankle sprain. The 24-year-old forward, who has 17 points in 33 games this season, was a full participant in practice and is expected to provide immediate depth to the Blues' struggling lineup. His return allows St. Louis to avoid making corresponding roster moves despite activating him off injured reserve.
Draisaitl Absence Impacts Oilers Depth
Leon Draisaitl remains out for the second consecutive game while on a leave of absence to attend to a family illness in Germany. The absence removes a dynamic forward from Edmonton's lineup, though the Oilers come off a dominant 6-0 victory against Vancouver and remain well-positioned with Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (celebrating his 1,000th NHL game) leading the charge.
Goaltending Advantage: Binnington vs. Ingram
Jordan Binnington starts for the Blues against Connor Ingram, who will defend the net for the high-flying Oilers. Ingram will be tested by a Blues team searching for consistency, while Binnington faces an Oilers offense averaging 3.38 goals per game—third in the NHL—and riding momentum from their shutout victory over Vancouver.
Blues Pursue Third Straight Win
St. Louis opens a three-game road trip seeking to extend what would be an elusive three-game winning streak. The Blues' injury-plagued roster (Robert Thomas and Pius Suter sidelined) has struggled at times this season, but the return of Holloway provides a boost to their forward depth during a critical stretch.
Oilers' Offensive Firepower on Display
The Edmontom Oilers, riding a 6-0 shutout win against Vancouver, bring elite offensive talent led by Connor McDavid and a deep lineup. With the third-best scoring average in the league, Edmonton enters as the favorite in this matchup and will look to extend its winning ways at Rogers Place.
Pick Ideas
McDavid Anytime Goal
Connor McDavid continues to be a dominant force on home ice; back him to score at least once against a Blues defense missing key contributors.
Over on Total Goals
With the Oilers' explosive offense (3.38 goals per game) facing a Blues team allowing goals and Holloway's return potentially creating offensive chances, the total should see plenty of action.
Oilers Moneyline
Edmonton comes off a dominant 6-0 shutout performance and maintains the stronger record (24-17-8 vs. 19-21-8); home-ice advantage and recent form favor the Oilers.
Bouchard Point Prop
Evan Bouchard has been a key contributor on the Oilers' top power-play unit; expect him to log heavy minutes and find offensive opportunities.
First Period Under
Both teams may play cautiously to start given the Blues' injury concerns and the Oilers' recent heavy workload; a slower opening frame is plausible.