The St. Louis Blues have been playing well despite losing the past two games. It's especially frustrating because they had a good chance of winning both games, and then one thing went wrong, and the game was pretty much over.
In the Columbus game, there was a lack of focus on the defensive end. The Blue Jackets scored immediately after the Blues scored a goal two different times in that game. The Blues would get some momentum on their side, but then immediately give it up.
Last night, it was a matter of finishing out the game. The Blues had a two-goal lead but couldn't hold on. St. Louis is in these games, but it's a different area of their game that is exposed on a night-to-night basis.
The upcoming four game homestand is crucial
If the Blues can't figure things out during this homestand, I don't think they're a playoff team. Playoff teams have inconsistencies sure, but St. Louis can't afford to be as inconsistent as they have been at this point.
I need to see the Blues win at least three out of the four games in convincing fashion to get my hopes back for the playoffs. Especially in the two games against Calgary. The Blues have been hovering around .500 all season, and if that doesn't change, then they don't deserve to make the playoffs.
The Blues still have time to get on a roll, but they have to do it fast. The trade deadline isn't that far away, and as things stand right now, the Blues won't be in the market for anyone big. Why would they? They've shown no signs that they're a playoff contender.
Sure, they've been better under Montgomery, and they probably would be in the playoff conversation if he was here the whole season. But he wasn't, so we'll see what the Blues can do in these next four games.