In four games in 2025-26, the St. Louis Blues have suffered two blowout losses. And while it's no reason for the team to panic, it's a clear sign that they need to make dramatic changes. So, what's up with the Blues, and what do they need to fix if they plan on making a return to the playoffs?
When you look at the Blues on paper, their numbers aren't bad. You would think a team that has allowed 17 goals this season would have given up a ton of shots. But the Blues, despite their shortcomings, have only allowed 108 so far this season, just two above the league average of 106.
Meanwhile, the Blues, on average, also aren't getting outshot. Through those first four games, they landed 116 of them, 10 higher than the league average. At 5-on-5, their Corsi For rests at 52.7 percent, so they're taking their chances when they get them. They have also played an aggressive game, with 119 body checks, and have blocked 61 shots.
What's been going on with the Blues?
One common denominator, ironically, is the Corsi For. At 5-on-5, it has ironically been at its highest when they suffered both blowout losses: 55.1 against the Wild and 55.0 against the Blackhawks. As for shots on goal, the Blues allowed 21 and 29, respectively, in those two games, or 25 on average.
This indicates one thing: They are allowing opponents to maximize chances. The Blues also haven't fared well on the power play or the penalty kill, and both their power play and PK percentages are below league average.
How do they fix these issues before they turn into an outright mess? Play tighter defense, regardless of the situation you're in.
A 76 penalty-kill percentage isn't going to cut it, either. And while they've proven themselves capable of holding opponents in check at times, they can't leave netminders Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer out to dry in seemingly every other game.
You also can't let the Blues' goaltenders off the hook
While it's tough to blame the netminders, you also need to hold them accountable if you're Jim Montgomery. Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer are supposed to be one of the league's best goaltending tandems, and they need to provide that last line of defense when the going gets tough.
Right now, they haven't done that. No, they shouldn't be called on to bail the team out every time the Blues struggle with a defensive breakdown, but Binnington and Hofer need to show everyone why they're a top-tier unit. Something they need on numerous occasions in 2024-25.
It's not that the Blues are collectively playing bad hockey, and the numbers prove it. But wow, their inconsistency defensively is crushing them on all cylinders. There's enough time to fix this mess, which is why they don't need to panic. But it needs to happen by the end of the month.