NHL · January 23, 2026
St. Louis Blues @ Dallas Stars
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Dallas Stars on January 23, 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' Offensive Drought Critical Concern
St. Louis is averaging just 2.4 goals per game, the worst in the league, after suffering combined 8-1 losses at Edmonton and Winnipeg. Missing playmaking center Robert Thomas and key forward Pius Suter has forced the Blues to lean on young forwards like Snuggerud, Dvorsky, and Stenberg to generate offense. Coach Jim Montgomery emphasized the need to converge in hard areas and hit the net, as the team desperately needs to establish scoring depth.
Kyrou's Recent Resurgence Could Spark Blues Attack
After a five-game pointless drought, Jordan Kyrou scored his first goal since December 1 on a power play in the loss at Winnipeg and has posted one goal and three assists in his past five games. If Kyrou can maintain this momentum, it could provide the offensive spark St. Louis needs against Dallas's struggling defense.
Rantanen's Potential Return Impacts Stars Lineup
Mikko Rantanen, who leads Dallas with 63 points (19 goals, 44 assists), is listed as day-to-day with illness and did not travel to Columbus but may be available Friday. His return would give the Stars significant offensive firepower after they managed just three total goals in their last four defeats.
Oettinger's January Struggles Continue Despite Return
Jake Oettinger, who struggled this month with a 2-4-1 record, 3.31 goals-against average, and .868 save percentage, returns to net after backup Casey DeSmith started Thursday's 1-0 shutout loss. The Stars need better goaltending performance at home to capitalize on their defensive positioning.
Road Woes for Blues Against Central Division Rival
The Blues are winless on the road with a 7-14-3 record, while the Stars are formidable at home with a 13-7-3 home record. St. Louis's recent road struggles, combined with their offensive deficiencies, present a significant challenge in Dallas.
Pick Ideas
Under on Total Goals
Both teams are experiencing severe offensive droughts, with St. Louis averaging 2.4 goals per game (league worst) and Dallas scoring just three goals across their last four defeats. The under is likely viable given recent scoring trends.
Stars Moneyline
Dallas has home ice advantage with a 13-7-3 home record against the struggling Blues' 7-14-3 away record, and potential Rantanen return boosts offensive potential despite recent losses.
Blues +1.5 Spread
While Dallas is favored, the Blues have recent head-to-head success (won 3-1 at home on October 18) and their depth of young forwards could exploit Dallas's offensive limitations and goal-scoring drought.