The St. Louis Blues actually played a halfway decent game in their Game 1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, but it also shows us how long of a road they have to go. Yeah, it was good to see them keep things close, but that's only going to help you win a game of horseshoes, not hockey.
Instead, the Blues looked like a team that couldn't get enough shots on net, and it cost them here on Saturday night. So, what can they do in Game 2 to prevent a winnable game from slipping away? Well, creating opportunities would be a great place to start.
Here's where the Blues looked good, however: Physicality. They showed they belong in the playoffs with such physical play, having logged 53 hits, heavily outmuscling a Jets team that ended up with 33. That was impressive, I'll admit, and an intensity level they must keep up as the series progresses if they want any hope of pulling off the upset.
The Jets are a far more talented team and can shut down anyone. It was something they proved tonight. So, if the Blues can bring in the intimidation factor, they can get even with and wear down the Jets. Because it's the only way they're winning this series.
Still, the Blues have a long, long way to go
It might be great to see the Blues in the playoffs just for the sake that they're there. But another reason is that this is a prime measuring stick, going up against the best regular-season team in hockey. And while their physical play should draw praise, creating chances must be a focal point heading into Game 2.
You aren't beating the league's best team, one that also happens to have the league's best goalie, by logging two shots on goal as of the unofficial tally when the final horn sounded in the third period. And you can't account for an unofficial 17 shots on goal. Even if the official stats gave the Blues another shot or two, it's well short of that 29-33 range they need to be in.
Still, they made the most of their power play chances, and that's a prerequisite for taking down the Jets. If you can't make something happen on 5-on-4, forget about pulling off any upsets, be it against the Jets or anyone else in the Western Conference.
Blues must find a way to get the pucks flying in Game 2
At this point, I'd tell my team to just get the puck to the net if I'm head coach Jim Montgomery. Keep that intensity level up, but get the puck to the net and throw goaltender Connor Hellebuyck off his game. And let's be honest, Hellebuyck didn't have his best peformance tonight, so it was therefore a wasted opportunity for the Blues.
When Hellebuyck's playing that badly and you're not logging shots, you're not taking advantage of the situation. But it also indicates that the Jets can and will play elite hockey even when their netminder is having an off-night. And as the headline of this article implies: It sets the stage and the tone for the sheer reality of what the Blues are facing. One phenomenal NHL team.