Many have proclaimed that the St. Louis Blues are without a superstar-caliber player. But, looking at the last few games of the season, one overwhelming fact reigns true. One player may be catapulting himself into that category.
The Blues have a player who has competed with the reigning Hart Memorial Award winner, Nathan MacKinnon. This player has also beaten out incredible top-tier talent like Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews.
Robert Thomas is ahead of Nathan MacKinnon in points since February 1. Thomas has contributed a staggering seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points in 23 games. MacKinnon has 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in 21 games. Nikita Kucherov is the only player in the NHL with more during that time with 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points.
Thomas has been on a tear
It is no secret that Thomas has been on a tear as of late, as he has been a main component of having the National Hockey League’s best record since the 4 Nations break. You could argue that he has been one of the biggest surprises on this team since then.
Thomas has also been all over the scoresheet since then and during this current nine-game win streak. Over the streak, he has a pair of goals and 14 assists for 16 points. That is the most important thing on this Blues team in that time frame, and he has been a difference maker with every shift.
Couldn’t be at a better time
The Blues might be holding onto the best-kept secret in hockey, but Thomas has sneakily been leading this team to victory. This win streak and Thomas's heating up could not have happened at a better time. With only a few more games to go until the playoffs begin, the Blues could be very successful this postseason due to these last nine games.
If the Blues want to make it into the second round or conference final, even the Stanley Cup final, for that matter, they are going to need Thomas to continue playing like this. They cannot afford for him to hit a cold streak.