The Blues have surprised the hockey world by surging back into the picture for a playoff spot. As of the morning of March 14th, they have 69 points, sitting just 2 points behind the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. The Utah Hockey Club is hot on their heels, also with 69 points.
As this race stretches into March and April, which players do the Blues need most? Who could make or break their chances to outpace their opponents and make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season? I'll rank the top 6 that I see as the biggest X-factors down the stretch.
Check out our recent episode on Note News, where we devote a full discussion to this topic!
6. Cam Fowler
With Colton Parayko expected to miss the remainder of the regular season, it will be difficult, but necessary, to fill the offensive void left by his absence. Parayko was having a career season offensively and was a big part of the Blues' offense in transition. With Fowler's profile leaning more on the offensive side, he'll need to step up his game to help account for what the Blues are missing without 55.
5. Robert Thomas
It's no secret that the line of Dylan Holloway, Brayden Schenn, and Jordan Kyrou has been the most effective in St. Louis this year, both offensively and defensively. However, if the Blues hope to make the playoffs (and have any chance to advance) they'll need another line to show up. Their best bet? That would be Jake Neighbours, Robert Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich.
These three can play at an elite level, and they have found success already this year. However, they'll need to unlock a new level of play to help the Blues snag a Wild Card spot, and they will only go as far as Thomas takes them. He drives St. Louis' play when he's on the ice, but his defense this year has been a far cry from last year's effort when he was being mentioned in Selke Trophy conversations. He'll need to rediscover his defensive chops and continue driving offense if the Blues hope to make the playoffs.
4. Philip Broberg
Where did this guy come from? Broberg has been a pleasant surprise this season, owning the second pair spot that many thought he was being paid too much for. Without Colton Parayko, Broberg is the undisputed best defender that the Blues have. He effectively disrupts plays using his body positioning, his elite-level skating, and his stick. He'll need to keep it up with the Blues' leader in blocks missing the rest of the season.
Plus, any offense that Broberg can find down the stretch is a huge bonus. If he rediscovers something remotely close to his early-season performance, he can help ease the burden on St. Louis' veteran defensemen to replace Parayko's production.
3. Joel Hofer
If everything goes the Blues' way, Joel Hofer won't be a very big factor in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, he can still do his part - starting now. The Blues have fewer than 20 games remaining, and in his starts down the stretch, the Blues need Hofer to show up. They can't afford to miss out on 2 points simply because their backup goaltender is struggling.
The Blues need more outings like Hofer had against the LA Kings on March 8th. He saved 1.08 goals above expected, didn't allow a high-danger goal against, and essentially stole the Blues a point, leading them to overtime.
2. Jordan Kyrou
Jordan Kyrou has arguably been the Blues best skater this year. He has continued to play above average offensively, and he has come a long way defensively. His value this season has been balanced between both ends of the ice, which has been huge for St. Louis, as well as Kyrou's development as a player.
His end-of-season numbers won't be mind-blowing, but Kyrou has an outside chance to crack 40 goals for the first time in his career. Kyrou hasn't been the game-breaking star that many Blues fans were hoping for, but he is still the Blues' best offensive threat, and he has a chance to own the moment in this Wild Card race. Without Kyrou, St. Louis would have a tough time finding the goal-scoring they need.
Honorable Mentions
Dylan Holloway is having an excellent season. He has been one of the Blues' best skaters, scoring 21 goals so far, and has been nothing short of elite defensively.
Pavel Buchnevich has had a down year, but if he can return to form down the stretch, that could make a huge difference for St. Louis
Brayden Schenn is having a resurgent season. He has shown why he deserves to wear the "C" for this team and has anchored the second forward line that has been so successful.
1. Jordan Binnington
Is anyone surprised? Jordan Binnington is the face of the Blues and is the undisputed #1 most important player for this team. The Blues will only go as far as Binnington takes them, both in the playoffs and in the chase for a Wild Card spot.
The Blues couldn't ask for a much better player. Whether it's the Stanley Cup Playoffs or the 4 Nations Face-off, Binnington consistently shows up and performs in the big moments. He has the experience, along with the confidence and durability, to lead this team to the playoffs. It's "go-time" for the Blues, and they need Binnington to be lights-out in the net.