Two weeks. That’s how long the St. Louis Blues have to show their fans that they still have a chance to sidle into the playoffs in 2025. But when you look at their upcoming schedule over those next two weeks, roughly, you can’t help but gulp.
The Blues have been one of the NHL’s most boring teams for most of the season, so maybe Jordan Binnington and his heroics in the 4 Nations Final will give this unit a spark? Or, maybe the Blues will keep being the same old Blues we’ve become accustomed to watching over the past three seasons?
And you can argue that, if there’s any team remotely in contention right now, none of them have it tougher than the Blues. As I said, one glance at the upcoming schedule will send any fan running for the Great Plains.
The St. Louis Blues daunting next few games might wrap up their season
So, who are the Blues playing from now until March 7th? Read the bullet points listed below and be very, very afraid for their playoff chances.
- February 22nd, Winnipeg Jets
- February 23rd, Colorado Avalanche
- February 25th, Seattle Kraken
- February 27th, Washington Capitals
- March 1st, Los Angeles Kings
- March 2nd, Dallas Stars
- March 5th, Los Angeles Kings
- March 7th, Anaheim Ducks
Just for a bonus, they play the Kings yet again on March 8th. So, you’re looking at a pair of back-to-backs, and three of them if you want to add in the third Kings game after they play the Ducks on the 7th.
The Jets and Avalanche will both provide a test for the bland Blues, so snagging two points against the Kraken is a must. Then, they have to deal with one of the league’s more offensive-oriented teams, the Capitals, before their first matchup with the defensive-heavy Kings.
The Stars game won’t get any easier, before another meeting with the Kings and then, finally, an easier matchup against the Ducks. The latter is also a prerequisite for two points if the Blues plan on remotely sticking around.
The Blues need some Binnington magic and a little luck, maybe
Jordan Binnington needs to build on the momentum from the 4 Nations for the Blues to pull off at least two, preferably three upsets. And like I said, they have to beat teams on the same level as them in the Kraken and the Ducks - a level below, if you want the truth.
Also, someone needs to get consistent with their scoring, preferably multiple players, if the Blues want a chance here. Jordan Kyrou would be the best bet, or perhaps the upstart Dylan Holloway. Playmakers like Robert Thomas are at their best when someone’s finding twine regularly.
Right now, I have a tough time believing this team will find itself in contention once the trade deadline arrives. I hope I’m wrong and the Blues can get hot at the right time, but so far, they’ve given us no reason to believe that a playoff return will happen this season. And by March 8th, there may be no more reasons to believe it’ll happen.