The Blues are the most puzzling team in the NHL

The St. Louis Blues, who everyone thought might have turned this whole thing around after beating the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, were brutally beaten by Washington on Wednesday, 6-1. This season has proven only one thing about this franchise and its standing with the NHL.

The Blues are puzzling.

Just when you think that they might have finally cracked the code for success, and something wonderful happens, the lowest of lows occurs. It is almost like Blues fans cannot enjoy a simple win.

Even in the final two losses of the seven-game winning streak, you could see some kind of turnaround coming. Then, they break the streak against one of the best teams in the Western Conference, in terms of overall talent, in Edmonton. All that momentum was obliterated in just 60 minutes of hockey, which really ended after the first 30 minutes or so.

Analytically speaking, the Blues should not be in this bad a shape. Back on November 3, prior to the win against Edmonton and the beatdown from Washington, the Blues were alone on an island. They were getting great chances, more chances than not, but still being heavily outscored.

There are a couple of things to blame for that, and that really falls on the defense and goaltending. Which we all know is a problem and a continuing one at that. But, there is no denying that after 14 games, some kind of change has to be implemented other than to change up lines.

For head coach Jim Montgomery, it isn't time to be throwing his name onto the hot seat just yet, but it is starting to sound like a familiar situation back in Boston.

There is still a lot of season left, but the losses and lack of points available are mounting up. The Central Division has shown to be very strong this season, with the emergence of Utah, and all three teams that made the playoffs last season via the top-three spots are once again up there.

The Blues cannot keep falling behind. It is up to Montgomery and Armstrong to try and solve this puzzle.