Eleven games into the 2025–26 season, the St. Louis Blues rank 30th in the league, bearing a record of 3-6-2 for eight points.
So, how did we get here?
Goaltending
The organization has long stood by its goaltending tandem, proudly calling it one of the best in the NHL. But the numbers paint a much bleaker picture. The Blues’ goals-against average sits at a league-worst 3.51 per game, far from elite territory.
Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer have each shown flashes of brilliance, but the timely save has been missing. And while the defense hasn’t done them many favors, the Blues will need their netminders to steal a game or two if they hope to dig out of this early hole.
Defense
Defensively, the Blues are a mess. They’ve allowed 32 goals, the most in the league, and own a -10 goal differential, second-worst in the NHL. Head coach Jim Montgomery didn’t mince words, calling the defensive play “ugly” and “shocking,” citing the volume of high-danger chances allowed.
From blown coverages to unchecked forwards on the rush, the Blues have made life far too easy for opponents. Too many tip-ins, too many screens, and not enough structure — it’s been the story of October.
Team Habits
Montgomery has also been vocal about his team’s habits, and not in a good way. The early-season miscues, missed assignments, and questionable effort levels have raised eyebrows.
Yes, every team battles early-season rust. But what fans are seeing feels uncomfortably familiar, the same sloppy tendencies that plagued last season. For a team that prides itself on leadership and accountability, those habits are proving hard to shake.
Injuries
The Blues entered the season already short-handed. Oskar Sundqvist and Alexey Toropchenko, both key veterans who bring grit and energy, missed time to start the year. Sundqvist returned on October 23 against the Utah Mammoth, followed by Toropchenko’s comeback on the 27th versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But just as the Blues started getting healthy, the injury bug bit back. Jake Neighbours, arguably the team’s player of the month, and top center Robert Thomas both went down on the eve of Toropchenko’s return. Thomas is listed day-to-day, while Neighbours is not expected back until early December.
It’s beginning to feel like déjà vu in St. Louis.
Glimmer of Hope
The calendar has flipped, and November offers a new opportunity or another test. The Blues will play 15 games this month, five against Western Conference opponents and one within their division.
Rookie forward Dalibor Dvorsky will lace up for his fourth NHL game on November 1 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, continuing his baptism by fire in the big leagues.
For a team desperate to find its rhythm, November isn’t just another month; it’s a measuring stick. As the team progresses through the month, I expect the habits, defense, and goaltending to improve.