Despite the 3-0 blown lead to the New York Islanders on Tuesday night, the St. Louis Blues were still able to pick up a much-needed point. Now at 5-1-1 following the Olympic Break, there is a feeling in the air about the trajectory of this team.
This season, which was basically over in October, might have gotten some new life and resurrected itself as of late. Don't count out these Blues yet, folks.
Let's talk about it.
Creeping up the standings
Looking at the Western Conference standings, the Blues are slowly making their way up the wildcard battle. The first wildcard spot is held by Utah with 73 points, followed by Seattle at 67 points. The Blues, who are five places back of Seattle, sit now at 60 points with one extra game played than the Kraken.
The Blues have been playing very competitive hockey as of late, with the consistency coming from Robert Thomas and Jimmy Snuggerud on that top line. Particularly from No. 21, who has three goals and five assists for eight points in the last five games. Snuggerud is hitting his stride at the most important part of the season, which is a great thing for his development.
In terms of the rest of the schedule, the Blues face off against a few of the teams between them and the final wildcard spot. They play the Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg twice, and then finish the season against Utah in what could be a win-and-in scenario depending on how the rest of the way goes.
Every game counts
It goes without saying that every single game between now and the rest of this season is going to count more than the last. This Blues team, similar to last season, should not be in this kind of situation because of how the first 60-some-odd games have gone for them. They played mediocre hockey all season and sold off a good amount of their firepower at the trade deadline to essentially throw in the towel on the season.
They should not be within three wins and an overtime appearance away from a playoff spot. But, as they say, "It ain't over until it's over".