The St. Louis Blues play their biggest game of the season on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken. This is a must-win situation, and the playoffs are within reach. The mantra here is win this game, and getting in is a lot easier, but lose in regulation, and fear begins.
With two games left, the Blues have a record of 43-30-7 for 93 points. That is the same record and point total as the Minnesota Wild, with the Wild holding the tie-breaker with more regulation wins. But, hot on their heels is the Calgary Flames, who have a record of 38-27-14 for 90 points and one game in hand over the Blues and Wild. If the Blues cannot handle their business independently, the Flames will pass over them by taking care of their own.
Let’s give this must-win game a preview.
Can’t lose this one
The Blues have been struggling since their record-breaking 12-game win streak ended. They could be in a great situation, but losing the past two games has made the wildcard standings hectic. If there was ever a game to get this team back on track, it is against a Kraken team struggling in its own right.
The Kraken, with a record of 34-40-6 for 74 points, have been eliminated from playoff contention. They are finding their identity as a team, and they have plenty of young talent to mature into solid hockey players. For now, it is growing pains and eyes toward that future that give the Kraken faithful hope.
That being said, the Blues cannot afford to lose a game like this. They have two opportunities to grab four points, which puts them ahead of the Flames. The Blues can finish the season with a possible 97 points, meanwhile the Flames can only finish with 96 points. It’s simple, win both games and the Blues are in.
Forward Pavel Buchnevich will be the player to watch for the Blues. He has been on a tear, with a four-game goal streak, and contributed all three points in Wednesday’s 4-3 loss against Edmonton.
This game will be in Seattle, at the Climate Pledge Arena, and the puck will drop at 9:00 PM CT.