The St. Louis Blues have started to cool off at the worst possible time. With two games left in the regular season, their playoff hopes have not been set in stone yet. There is a very small chance, but still a chance, that they could blunder a golden opportunity.
After rattling off a franchise-record 12 wins in a row, the Blues have hit a dead end by losing the last two games to playoff contenders. First, a 3-1 loss to Winnipeg, their current first-round opponent. And then on Wednesday night, losing 4-3 to Edmonton. It was a devastating loss, and they held the lead twice before losing it in the final seconds of the third period.
The worst possible outcome is highly unlikely, but it is worth discussing. Can the Blues waste what they worked so hard for?
Playoffs?
With just six periods of hockey left in the regular season, the Blues have two more opponents who won't be playing in the postseason. They first have Seattle Kraken on Saturday night on the road, then the home and season finale against the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday, April 15.
The Blues have not clinched a playoff berth due to losing to Edmonton and then Calgary gaining a point against the Anaheim Ducks. Both results were worst-case scenarios. Additionally, the Minnesota Wild won their matchup against San Jose in a chaotic 8-7 overtime win. That now means that the Wild own the first wildcard spot, followed by the Blues in the second spot at 93 points apiece. Calgary now sits behind both of them at 88 points, and is still not out of contention as they have four games left to play.
Right now, the worry is not on missing the playoffs, but in getting the best possible position. Being a wildcard team is not a death sentence, but it is a rough and turbulent path. The Blues showed potential against both Winnipeg and Edmonton, who could potentially be there first and second-round matchups, but ultimately, could not defeat them.
With one less game then Minnesota left to play, the Blues have to secure the next four points. There is no room for error, as they need to grab that first wildcard spot from Minnesota. If they want to have a chance come April 19, losing is not an option for the rest of the regular season.