The St. Louis Blues almost broke their two-game losing streak, but in the final minute of the third period, the Dallas Stars got the upper hand and claimed victory, 3-2. This was a bitter loss, as it seemed like this team finally rallied in front of goaltender Jordan Binnington and allowed him to get into a bit of a groove.
Unfortunately, it is still two points lost, and the gap between the Blues and a wildcard spot grows further apart. Let's break down some takeaways from this one.
Difference in firepower
As evident in the final goal of the game, Jason Robertson pushed the dagger right into the Blue Note faithful. But, one big difference and one big disadvantage the Blues continue to have against every team is a difference in firepower.
That game-winning goal from Robertson was his 30th goal of the season. That is more than Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and Robert Thomas (although he did not play in this game and is still on IR), combined goal totals.
This season has been plagued by a lack of goal-scoring, and it is keeping these close one-goal games with the Blues on the wrong end.
Blues sliding fast
With their third straight loss, the Blues fall to 19-24-8 on the season for 46 points. They now trail San Jose by nine points, and the gap continues to get bigger and bigger with each missed opportunity.
The Blues now have a home game at the Enterprise Center, in a quick back-to-back against Los Angeles. The Kings sit right behind San Jose with 53 points, so the Blues could play spoiler and gain some ground with a win.
If not, this season is sliding away from the Blues, and that ultimatum for General Manager Doug Armstrong might be made for him.
The core showed up and it still wasn't enough
Buchnevich, who has been under the microscope as a possible trade piece in the next month and change, had a goal and an assist in this game. It was a much better effort from him, and for the core group overall. Kyrou notched an assist, and Dalibor Dvorsky, the future of this Blues core group, nailed his eighth goal of the season on the power play.
But, it wasn't enough as they were unable to get the victory. Even when they do show up, if they cannot muster more than two goals, it is a guaranteed loss.