The St. Louis Blues are wrapping up their four-game road trip with a visit to Disneyland. Well, to face the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center. This road trip has been eventful, emotional, and franchise-changing, courtesy of the Trade Deadline.
This is a big game, considering that the Blues are still not out of the playoff race, but just about dead in the water. But, they can play spoiler against the Pacific Division leaders, who hold a narrow lead of just one-point lead over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Let's go over three x-factors on the Blues side, and how they can help lead this team to victory.
Robert Thomas
After having his name in the media for nearly the entire week, the Blues elected to retain Robert Thomas. He made it worth their while by scoring two goals against the San Jose Sharks, including the game-winner in overtime on Friday. It seems that the franchise is ready to move forward with him as their face, at least for now.
Can Thomas make a big impact once again, further supplementing his claim as being in the Blues' future plans?
Philip Broberg
There have only been eight members of the Blues franchise history to skate more than 32 minutes in a regular-season game. Defenseman Philip Broberg is now one of them after his efforts against San Jose. It is becoming clear that he is transitioning into that top role on the blue line.
With the season basically put away, hopefully, he doesn't need to eclipse more than 24 to 25 minutes of ice time against the Ducks.
Jimmy Snuggerud
A part of the future plans is Jimmy Snuggerud, and boy, is GM-in-waiting Alexander Steen going to rely on this kid. He has had a very productive first go-around the NHL this season, and there are obviously some glimpses of superstardom there. He got the party started against San Jose with the opening goal, with a turning heave at the net that got the Sharks' goaltender off guard.
Can Snuggerud add to the goal total once again, which has now reached 11 on the season?