Blues at Flames Preview: Jacob de la Rose starts on the third line

First off, let’s go on and get this out of the way: congrats to Robby Fabbri for a two goal (both on the PP) debut with the Detroit Red Wings last night. He asked for the trade, Doug Armstrong sent him somewhere that he’d see top-six/special teams time. It was a professional courtesy by Armstrong that Fabbri deserved. He’s a good player and deserves a shot. He just isn’t going to get it here.

Say what you want about Armstrong, but he takes care of players who request moves.

In return for Fabbri, the Blues got Jacob de la Rose. de la Rose, a former second round pick by the Canadiens, has a goal and three assists this year in sixteen games on the fourth line of one of the worst teams in the league. It’s not exciting - his career numbers aren’t mind-blowing - but he’s on a new team now with new opportunities.

With Alexander Steen injured, de la Rose has one hell of an opportunity. He’s starting tonight on the third line, centered by Tyler Bozak and with Sammy Blais on the other side. He got the thumbs up from his new coach, Craig Berube:

“Good. Just like we thought,” Berube said. “He moves well out there. He’s big. And his hands look decent.

Berube also said to expect de la Rose out there on the PK as well.

The Flames have gotten off to a decent start this season, with a 10-7-2 record in 19 games. They sit second in the Pacific Division behind the Edmonton Oilers, who the Blues just dismantled to the tune of a 5-2 win. They’re an excellent 6-1-1 at home, and while their two game winning streak isn’t exactly the Blues six game streak, they’re primed to add on to it - they’ve won four out of their last five. St. Louis native Matthew Tkachuk is leading the Flames with 18 points, and Elias Lindholm leads the team with 10 goals. Both players were lethal against the Blues last year, with four and five points respectively.