51ºÚÁÏ

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — When the Blues take on the Red Wings on Monday night in Detroit, they could be doing so with a new face on the top line: Alexandre Texier.

During practice on Sunday morning in Fort Lauderdale, Texier skated on the top line with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich, the latest increase in responsibility for the first-year Blues forward who was a frequent recent healthy scratch. Texier replaced Jake Neighbours, who was on a line with Oskar Sundqvist and Zack Bolduc.

“The plays that Texier’s been making the last two games off the rush, I just figured we need a spark offensively,� Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “Jakey, his traits help any line. He’s a guy that can get anyone started. Him and Sunny being able to play with Boldy, Boldy’s learning how to play. He plays with those two, and he’s going to learn how to play in the league the right way quick.�

Across the past two games, against Tampa and Florida, Texier has collected more and more ice time in different situations. Against the Lightning, he replaced Brandon Saad on the power play late in the game. Against the Panthers, Texier received his first overtime shift of the season. Both situations were rewards for his play, and now he’ll receive a promotion.

“It’s only one practice, but I’m not going to change my game,� Texier said. “Can bring some energy, some speed and making plays, too. They’re two elite players (on the line), just got to play your game. Don’t try to do too much, don’t try to find them too much and elite players, they’re going to give you the puck. It was fun.�

Texier played one previous game on the top line, against Philadelphia on Nov. 30, with Thomas and Neighbours because Buchnevich was injured. Lines shifted during the game, and Texier finished by playing just 4:58 at five on five with Thomas and Neighbours. After that game, Texier was a scratch for the next five games, and now has been in the lineup for four of the last five.

“It’s not easy because you want to play and you want to be on the ice, but at the same time, you’ve got to look at something positive,� Texier said. “In practice, try to work on your game and small details, and try to be positive in the locker room. Work your (expletive) off. That’s pretty much it.�

Texier picked up an assist on Sundqvist’s goal Friday against the Panthers, his first point since Oct. 29 in Ottawa.

“I think there were some good games the last two, but now it’s behind, and I’ve just got to focus on (Monday),� Texier said. “It’s in the right direction, I feel good, confidence is getting there. I’m just building game after game.�

A Sundqvist explanation

Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist was out of the lineup Dec. 15 against the Rangers and Thursday in Tampa, but his absence was not a healthy scratch. As part of his comeback from knee surgery in the spring, Sundqvist is not playing both ends of a back-to-back situation.

He played in Dallas before missing the Rangers game. He played in Florida after being out vs. the Lightning.

“Strengthening more importantly but part of the recovery, yeah,� Montgomery said.

Sundqvist hinted at the situation after Friday’s game, saying “I have different reasons why I’m not playing,� and added that he’s discussed it with the coaching staff.

Faksa leaves early

Blues forward Radek Faksa left the practice ice on Sunday after about 30 minutes as he recovers from a skate cut to his leg. Faksa returned to the lineup on Friday in Florida for the first time since he was cut close to his groin by Danton Heinen’s skate on Dec. 10 in Vancouver.

“Just a little bit of soreness, still dealing with what he’s dealing with,� Montgomery said.

During Friday’s game against the Panthers, Faksa had 11:33 of ice time, including 27 seconds on the penalty kill.

Neighbours on the ice

Neighbours was a full participant in practice on Sunday, two days after he was hit in the head by Panthers forward Sam Bennett in the third period and did not play another shift.

On Friday, Neighbours was hit along the boards by Bennett with about a minute and a half remaining in regulation, and Montgomery said he held Neighbours out of overtime as a precaution.