The St. Louis Blues are tearing up the league right now. Much in part to their impressive offense, stemming from the first-line of Robert Thomas, Dylan Holloway and Jimmy Snuggerud. But, there is one other reason why this Blues team is starting to click in the twilight of the 2025-26 season.
After being at the bottom of the NHL leaderboard for many categories this season, some good, some bad, they reached an average position in one key stat. The rapid decline in this part of the game has helped the offense gain confidence, and has benefitted the most to this team's success since the Olympic Break.
Let's talk about it.
Goals against
The Blues have been amongst the bottom of the league in goals against all season. For a very long time, nobody let in more goals than this franchise, and it was a key detriment. Many reasons were to blame, with suspect defensive performances, and even worse showings from inside the blue paint, but it was really a complete meltdown on the ice.
But, now, the Blues are right at the centermark, in 16th place in goals against with 234. It has been evident in their last 19 games since the Olympic Break was lifted on February 26, as the Blues have outscored their opponents 58-35. Those 35 goals against is an average of 1.84 goals-per-game , which is incredble over that stretch.
Some key components to the success comes from the evolution of Logan Mailloux, the rise of Joel Hofer, and the emergence of Snuggerud. All three of those players have been a key part in this team's success lately, and that is going to be a trend for years to come.Â