As the St. Louis Blues established themselves as Stanley Cup contenders, they etched their names into the franchise’s record book with the most consecutive wins at 12. This run has been incredible, and thanks to having a relatively easier schedule, it pushed this team into a brand new tier of the NHL.
With the 5-4 victory over Colorado on Saturday night, two new playoff scenarios became potential realities for the Blues. They have gone beyond that plateau for a team that was going to be on the bubble of making it into the playoffs.
First wildcard spot
As per the NHL playoff bracket, the two teams from the Central and Pacific Divisions that have the most points outside of the top-3 of each division will be awarded the wildcard spot. This season, two teams from the Central Division may represent those two spots. As we approach the end of the season, both teams are fighting hard to try and earn that first wildcard spot.
The Blues hold the first wildcard spot, with a record of 43-28-7 for 93 points. They lead the Minnesota Wild, who have a record of 41-29-7 for 89 points. The Wild have a game in hand over the Blues, meaning the Blues have to keep on winning and hoping the Wild don’t go on a run at the end of the season.
Third in Central Division
This is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. At 93 points, the Blues are only five points behind the Colorado Avalanche for the third spot in the Central Division. It would take a miracle, but it is not impossible.
Each team has four games left to play, and they no longer play each other this season. Saturday night’s tilt was the year's final game between these two teams. The Blues would have to win out and collect all eight points ahead of them, extending their win streak to 16, and the Avalanche can only win one game and grab a point by forcing overtime. That is the margin.
Miracle yes, impossible, no way.