Expected lineup: Dec. 23 at Red Wings

Alexandre Texier gets a promotion to the first line on Monday night when St. Louis Blues play their final game before a three-day vacation against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena (6 p.m. CT, FanDuel Sports Network, 101 ESPN) ).

Texier has dressed in four of the last five games after being sidelined often this year as he dealt with an early-season injury and a handful of games as a healthy scratch.

“The plays that Texier has made the last two games, but I just figured we needed a spark offensively,” said Blues head coach Jim Montgomery, who is moving Jake Neighbors to the third line to make room for Texier in the top. “Jakey, his moves help any line. He’s a guy who can get anyone going. That him and (Oskar Sundqvist) can play with (Zack Bolduc), Boldy is learning to play. (If) he plays with those two, he will quickly learn to play in the league the right way.”

Judging by Monday’s morning skate in Detroit, Montgomery has several other lineup adjustments for the game. Radek Faksa, who suffered a setback after being cut by a skate near his groin, will not play after returning Saturday in Florida. With Faksa out, it creates room for Mathieu Joseph to center the fourth line. Brandon Saad will sit out.

On defense, Tyler Tucker will come in to replace Scott Perunovich.

Jordan Binnington starts in goal.