The Blues may be the underdog in this first-round series...but don't count them out.
2019 to 2025 - A Few Common Themes
Many pundits point to the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning Blues team and try to draw correlations...and there are certainly some common themes. Mid-season coaching change, winning streaks, great goaltending, and Gloria was the theme. This year, Jobu has his spot in the locker room...after all, the @StLouisBlues went 19-4-2 over their final 25 games, claiming 40 of 50 possible points. And the 4-Nations tournament seemed to be a critical turning point as they went 19-4-3, post-tournament. And there are some playoff warriors on this team. Eight Stanley Cup champions on its roster, five who won a championship with the Blues in 2019. But...is this season's version hungry enough to live up to the 2019 Cup winners?
Let's return to late February, when this team had zero room for error. The Vegas sportsbooks put them at +1600 to make the playoffs, which was a 5.9% chance. The Blues were 7 points out of a Wild Card spot. Since then, the Blues have put together a stunning 21-5-4 record, collecting more wins (21) and points (46) than any team in the League. As a result, the Blues shot up the standings and became the 10th team in NHL history to qualify for the playoffs after being eight or more points out with 26 or fewer regular-season games.
Let's break down the 2024-2025 team...
Acquisitions...
The trading deadline came and went with no movement on or off the team...although many feel the acquisition of Cam Fowler, well before the deadline, was their deadline deal. How did Cam fare: Ducks: 17 games, 0g-4a for 4 points; minus-7; 21:04 TOI... Blues: 51 games, 9g-27a=36 points; plus-19, 21:42 TOI...he has been an outstanding acquisition. And we can’t forget the preseason acquisitions of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. The offer sheet boys have been better than expected, becoming leaders on the team. And of course, there were the injuries, Nick Leddy out early, and Colton Parayko’s late-season injury gave Tyler Tucker a chance to shine. Holloway’s injury allowed a smooth entry of Jimmy Snuggerud, and we have seen rookie Zack Bolduc emerge as a sniper since Jim Montgomery took over the team.
Montgomery is another “acquisition” by Doug Armstrong that can’t be overlooked. Thank you, Boston! The Bruins terminating Monty couldn't have come at a more perfect time for the Blues. A mediocre play at the start of the season wouldn’t cut it, and Jim Montgomery was just what the Blues needed. Familiar with the organization, the city, the fans...a motivator, a leader, a calming force, a former player, and Blues coach that injected confidence into the team. After all, they ended the final 25 games with the best record & goal differential in the NHL.
Offense ...
The offence under Montgomery came alive. Jordan Kyrou played on both ends of the ice and scored 35 goals. Multiple 20+ goal scores: Holloway 26, Pavel Buchnevich 20, Jake Neighbours 22, Robert Thomas 21. Heck...Parayko scored a career high 16. Thomas was a true difference maker with 60 assists. History shows that Blues players with at least 60 assists in consecutive seasons have been few and far between: Bernie Federko, Adam Oates, Craig Janney, and Robert Thomas. Quite an accomplishment by Thomas.
Defense...
The offense comes into the playoffs on a high, so let's look at the defense. Of the 16 playoff teams and their top 6 defensemen who will likely suit up for Game 1 of each respective series, the Blues have the most experience among the top 6 defensemen by a wide margin. The calming presence may be the greatest benefactor, and guys who remain cool under pressure will simplify the game for everyone.
Goaltending...
Then there is the goaltending...The tandem of Jordan Binnington (13-3-1 after the 4-Nations) and Joel Hofer was outstanding over the last 32 games with goals against averages of 2.34 (Binnington) & 2.27 (Hofer) and save% of .908 (Binnington) and .905 (Hofer). I don’t deny that Connor Hellebuyck is all world, as he also was stellar all year and will once again be the Vezina winner. An interesting note though...the last time Hellebuyck was in a playoff series (after winning the Vezina), he was 1W - 4L 5.23 GAA with an .864 save%. Binnington’s last playoff series...4W - 1L 1.72 GAA and a .949 Save%. Not to mention that Binnington beat Hellebuyck in the Gold Medal Final game at the 4-Nations tournament. If you enjoyed that duel...here comes the sequel.
Of course, what does Binnington have that Hellebuyck doesn’t? The 2019 Stanley Cup, which just happened to include bouncing the Jets out of the first round in 6 games. The Jets have also been eliminated in the first round in the past 2 seasons. And there is the curse of the President's Cup winner being eliminated early and often.
So...are these Blues hungry enough? Perhaps the new theme song should be “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran...” I’m on the hunt, I’m after you”...Time will tell...I predict Blues in 6 (yes, just like 2019). Hungry and motivated!!!!
Playoff Schedule Blues vs. Jets
Game 1 - 4/19 5pm CT Away
Game 2 – 4/21 6:30pm CT Away
Game 3 - 4/24 8:30pm CT Home
Game 4 – 4/27 noon CT Home
Game 5 – 4/30 TBD Away*
Game 6 - 5/2 TBD Home*
Game 7 – 5/4 TBD Away*
*If needed