The St. Louis Blues were able to steal a point from the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night, before losing in the shootout, 4-3. It was certainly one that got away, and there was a sense that this team did look a little better than they have been over this six-game losing streak.
Now, after spending Halloween with their families and hosting a great costume party, it is time to get back to business. The Blues have to try and shed this stink and get back in the win column. This time it is against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Here are some important storylines heading into the 12th game of the season.
Still last in the Central Division
At 3-6-2 for 8 points, the Blues are still sunk at the bottom of the Central Division. just behind the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators at 9 and 10 points, respectively. They sit nine points back of the Colorado Avalanche for first place in the Division.
It is not an incredibly vast difference from top to bottom, but the Blues are on a really bad losing streak here. These last six games have shown blowouts, lackluster play from key members of this team, and injuries piling up. The climb back to the top has to begin with a win in Columbus.
Riding six-game losing streak
As mentioned above, the Blues are on a six-game losing streak. Not that they will get there, hopefully, but the franchise record is 8 games, back in 2022-23. With Columbus on the docket for Saturday night and then hosting the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night, there is a slight chance that this team might tie that mark.
But, there is also a chance that this team breaks through this dark cloud hanging over them.
External changes could be happening soon with another loss
We could be heading toward a monumental collapse, and if the Blues were to continue losing, external measures might need to take place. With Braden Schneider hitting the rumor mill on the defensive side, he might be a good fit for the floundering defensive core.
Additionally, if backup Joel Hofer is in the net tonight against Columbus and fails to give this team a chance at victory, it might be time to move on from him entirely. Jordan Binnington cannot start for the rest of the season.