Con: Refs
I seldom blame the refs, no matter how bad they are. The officials were fine for 99% of this game, but the reality is they likely cost the Blues an extra point.
It was as blatant a missed call as we've seen in months. Not only did Draisaitl hold the stick, but Thomas going down negated a possible breakout attempt.
Maybe the Blues score on the breakaway if that hold doesn't happen. Perhaps they find a way to score on the potential four-on-three power play.
If nothing else, you take one of the best scorers in the league off the ice for two minutes. Instead, the game continues and eventually, Edmonton finds enough space to get the sudden-death goal.
Pro/Con: Third period
This game was emblematic of how the 2024-25 season has gone for St. Louis. They were by far the better team in the third period and had to settle for a lone point.
The team battled back and not only tied the game but came right back down and took the lead. They were strong on the puck, making good plays and decisions and attacking like they can when they're at their best.
They worked their butts off to get that power-play goal. Then, they looked very skilled for the Parayko goal.
However, the reverse side of that coin is that they could not hold the lead. That Thomas miss and Texier getting stoned proved to be the difference in the game in regulation.
If you get just one of those to go, it's 3-1 and the Blues probably hold on even if Edmonton still gets a goal with their goalie pulled. Instead, they don't score there, allow the late goal, and end up losing in OT.