The St. Louis Blues had a chance to reach a playoff spot this week but went 1-1-1. Their playoff hopes remain, though slim.
As everyone makes final preparations for the Easter celebration, let’s take a look at the Blues’ standouts of the week.
Standout #3 – Jordan Binnington
Jordan Binnington only made one start this week. He made 24 saves on Wednesday, but the Blues lost in overtime. Despite this, he gave the team a chance to win, including stopping Adrian Kempe on a breakaway moments before the Kings scored the game-winner.
What puts Binnington on this list is the fact that head coach Jim Montgomery gave him the start in the first place. The Blues were coming off a rough 5-4 loss on Monday. Joel Hofer struggled in goal, giving up the game-winner with 21 seconds left in regulation. The team had fought back to erase a 4-2 deficit, but an opportunity to obtain at least a point slipped through their fingers.
For many teams, a loss like that would deflate them. Montgomery, however, turned to big-game Binnington to keep morale high. Despite some rough patches this season, Binnington’s big-game potential remains. Using him emphasized the team’s faith in their 2019 Stanley Cup champion. Expect Binnington to get more starts as the Blues push for the postseason.
Standout #2 – Robert Thomas
The Blues’ top line of Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway, and Jimmy Snuggerud continued to produce this week. Thomas recorded two goals and three assists. Furthermore, he was a plus-3 for the week.
Related: Blues’ Standouts of the Week: Jimmy Snuggerud, Dylan Holloway, and a Win for Bobby Plager
Thomas’ first goal was a big one, scoring late in regulation on Wednesday to force overtime. Another regulation loss following Monday’s heartbreak could have been a nail in the coffin. However, Thomas managed to tip in a Philip Broberg shot to tie the game and give the team life. The players’ reaction said it all. They had been fighting but had finally tied the game. While their eventual overtime loss makes Thomas’ goal more of a footnote, at the time, it was a goal that may have saved their season.
On Friday, the Blues fell behind early, 1-0. Thomas delivered once again, scoring minutes later to tie the game. The Blues were able to shake off the rough start and eventually cruised to a 6-2 win. In addition to his goal, Thomas added two assists, giving him a three-point night.
It was the Blues’ biggest week of the season, and Thomas rose to the occasion. While the team fell short of their goal, no one can say the 26-year-old did not do his part.
Standout #1 – Special Teams
Special teams were both a positive and a negative for the Blues this week. The penalty kill struggled, especially after previously being a strong point coming out of the Olympics, while the power play significantly improved and was a key factor in their success.
The penalty kill had a tough night on Monday as the San Jose Sharks scored on three of four power play chances. Against Los Angeles on Wednesday, the Kings scored a power-play goal on three attempts. The unit rebounded on Friday, successfully killing all three Anaheim Ducks power plays.
Monday’s performance definitely stands out the most. Just one more successful penalty kill could have been the difference in winning vs. losing. While the Sharks do have some playmakers on their roster, their power play has ranked in the middle of the league, so it wasn’t like the Blues were facing a juggernaut.
In contrast, the power play was a major strength this week. It produced two goals on Monday, helping erase a two-goal deficit, and added two more in Saturday’s win, with Dylan Holloway scoring both.
Despite improved power play output, the penalty kill faltered at a key time while the power play found its rhythm. These special teams swings were central to the week and ultimately shaped whether the Blues won or lost close games.
The Week Ahead
The Blues carry their slim playoff hopes into the new week. Things will not get any easier, as they play the Colorado Avalanche twice to kick it off. The Avs dominated the Blues in their only other meeting of the season.
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to all who are celebrating this weekend! Enjoy your weekend and all that goes with it!
