The St. Louis Blues have a five-game road trip coming up, facing off against a couple of top-tier teams that are currently in a playoff spot at the end of the first quarter of the season. The pressure is on this entire team to perform, but there are three players who stand above the rest.
Who are these three players who have to ascend to another level of their game, or will they start cracking under the pressure?
Pavel Buchnevich
With only a single assist over his last 11 games, Pavel Buchnevich is starting to be more of a hindrance than a help on this team. After signing his new deal worth an AAV of $8 million through the end of the 2030-31 season, this is not the impression Blues fans wanted to see.
Buchnevich has to break out of his shell over the next couple of games on the road. He has two goals and five assists for seven points this season, and if he could match either of those two important stats over the next five games, there is a case to be made that he is worth that kind of cash.
If not, it might be time to look toward another option on the first-line.
Jordan Binnington
Now, we get to the good stuff. Both goaltenders are going to be facing the most pressure over the next few games. Jordan Binnington is going to be facing the majority of the pressure, as he is still the starter and has the necessary skills to shine in these kinds of moments.
When the chips are down and the light is starting to dwindle, Binnigton has proven time and time again that he can pull this team out of it. The Blues are going to need No. 50 to break out of this rut and start helping the Blues win some hockey games.
Joel Hofer
And now for backup, Joel Hofer, who is facing a good bit of pressure himself. The Blues are in a tough spot with their netminders, as both have not been very good this season. General Manager Doug Armstrong has an option to look externally for goalie help or try out a player already in their system.
Either way, Hofer has to try and perform when his name is called on this road trip. It is not known which of the five oppontents he wiwll be subbed-in for, but he has to make the most of it. If not, the Blues look like fools for holding onto him for another two seasons.