As the St. Louis Blues win streak turns to six, the hype is very real as the Stanley Cup playoffs are rapidly approaching. This team is for real, and the way things look, they might take this win streak right into their first-round opponent's barn.
They are doing all this without their best defenseman, and arguably their best player, Colton Parayko. He has been out since March 6, with a lower-body injury, and it is anticipated that he will be back at the end of the season and potentially the playoff run.
The Blues defense has been excellent over the past six games, and inserting Parayko may be a great or devastating thing. Could his return ruin the Blues newfound success?
Colton Parayko
When Parayko went down right before the trade deadline, it was not a great look for the end of this season. Even with the easiest schedule in the NHL, many speculated a complete collapse by the end of this season, via the defense.
The 31-year-old is having a career year. He has set a new career-high in goals with 15 on the season and with his added 20 assists, he has tied his best in points with 35. Oddly enough, he has hit the 35-point plateau four times in his career.
Can he fit back in?
Can Parayko fit right back into the defensive lines? He can.
Depending on how close to the end of the season he returns, the re-emergence into the lineup will be like riding a bike. Even though the defense has been lights out, Parayko will make it that much better. There should be no turmoil with this instance.
If the Blues have to face off against the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, they are going to need every available hand. Parayko is a great piece to have for the playoffs, and might be the player to set them over the edge. He is a leader on this team, and his invaluable experience in the playoffs will be detrimental for the younger players on this team.