The St. Louis Blues have now lost their last two games, with a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. This was a tough loss, and a weird one at that as the reasoning for their defeat was not a usual culprit. Let's take a look.
Another disheartening loss
Like their 4-1 loss against the New Jersey Devils just a few days ago, this was a disheartening loss. Overall, the team did not perform anywhere near good enough to win this one, and it has created a lot of questions going forward.
Now at 15-16-3, the Blues have slid back to sixth place in the Central Divison, two points behind Utah. they remain ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks, who are the final opponent of the season in the Winter Classic, in Chicago.
Tonight's inconsistency wasn't the offense?
Over the past five games, the inconsistent play of the offense has been the main reason as to why they keep losing hockey games. At one point, they were averaging 20 shots on goal per game, and twice they were held in the teens in shots. Not good.
But, in last night's tilt against Tampa Bay, the finger to point at wasn't offensive contribution but instead was goaltending. Jordan Binnington, who has been a savior over his last handful of starts, showed he is not superhuman, allowing three goals to slip past him on 11 shots. He was pulled for backup Joel Hofer, who held his own by saving the last seven shots of the night.
The big takeaway here is that this is not the inconsistency they want. Honestly, they should have stuck with the offensive struggling, as they can get 1-2 past opposing goaltenders in 20 shots or so. But, if they consistently let in 3-5 goals a night, that is not gonna work long-term.
Concerning times?
After getting off to a hot start under new coach Jim Montgomery, that new car smell is starting to wear off. they are 1-3-1 in their last five games, and as close as the Central Divison is, the Blues are starting to slip to the back of the pack.
It is not time to raise the alarms and do something nuclear to try and fix this team. It is hard to believe, but after 34 games this season, they have yet to truly find their consistent rhythm and their identity as a hockey team. Time is running out to figure that part out.
Do you have any other big takeaways from last night's loss to Tampa Bay?