The St. Louis Blues are 5-1-1 in their last seven games following the Olympic Break. This team has been emotionally torn apart with the departure of their captain and one of their longest-tenured defenseman at the trade deadline, but they are making it work.
Their 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday was a harsh reality check, as they surrendered a 3-0 lead. But, there was one key part of this loss that is bright light right in the midst of all the success.
Jimmy Snuggerud is hot, hot, hot right now, and it could not have come at a more perfect time.
Finishing strong
With three goals and five assists for eight points over his last five games, Snuggerud has been electric on the ice. The potential is there for him to be a complete game-changer, an x-factor, night-in and night out. But, how long can he keep this up for?
The Blues have 18 games remaining, and they are seven points out of the second wildcard spot. Hard to believe that after thinking this team was going to be waiving the white flag at this point in the season. Snuggerud is certainly a big help as to the success, and he will be heavily counted on if they want to continue having a shot at the postseason.
All eyes on him to carry this team
Looking at it long-term, the Blues have a special place for Snuggerud for the future. He is their designated first-line winger, and he has to live up to that expectation. There are signs of that coming to fruition, as he now has 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points in 52 games this season. Not a bad look for his first go-around in the NHL, despite suffering a major wrist injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a month.
That time off can throw you out whack, even if you are a veteran NHLer, nevermind a rookie.
Snuggerud will be a key part of this franchise's next championship window. If they go through with a full retool this offseason, barring not making the playoffs in the next two months, it is hard to imagine new GM-in-waiting Alexander Steen not keep making moves. Particularly at the draft, in which the Blues have three first-round selections, which is a golden ticket for either trading up for a top prospect or getting an established elite player.
Can No. 21 continue his hot season, and continue to develope into the next big thing for the Blues?