St. Louis Blues Secure Crucial Win
The St. Louis Blues have wrapped up their game schedule leading into the NHL Trade Deadline, securing a 3-2 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena. This win marks the second time in just five days that the Blues have defeated the Kings, adding yet another layer of momentum to their recent surge. The team’s record now stands at 30-27-6, and they are just one point behind the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. However, both the Flames and Canucks have games in hand, which adds a bit of urgency to the Blues’ situation. With 19 games remaining, the management team, led by General Manager Doug Armstrong, must decide whether to offload players, add new talent, or simply maintain the current roster and ride out the season with their current group.
Neighbours-Thomas-Buchnevich Line Continues to Impress
The Neighbours-Thomas-Buchnevich line has been a standout for the Blues, showcasing a remarkable chemistry and effectiveness on the ice. On Wednesday, Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas each scored in regulation and the shootout, contributing significantly to the team’s victory. The line’s performance has been consistently strong, as evidenced by their Corsi-for/Corsi-against of 19-9, Fenwick-for/Fenwick-against of 13-5, scoring chances-for/against of 12-4, and high-danger Corsi-for/against of 5-1. Neighbours opened the scoring with a backhanded shot off the left arm of Kings’ goaltender Darcy Kuemper, while Thomas sealed the deal with a clutch power-play goal in the second period, set up by a precise pass from Buchnevich. The line has been on a roll, accumulating 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in their past seven games since the 4 Nations Face-Off break. This consistency is a welcome relief for the Blues, who previously relied heavily on the Dylan Holloway-Brayden Schenn-Jordan Kyrou line.
Binnington’s Clutch Performance
Jordan Binnington’s performance in Wednesday’s game was nothing short of clutch. Although he faced only 23 shots, the saves he did make were critical. In the second period, with the game tied at 1-1, Binnington made a standout save on Warren Foegele coming down the slot. In the third period, despite seeing only six shots, he thwarted a redirection by Adrian Kempe that could have given the Kings the lead. The true test came during overtime, where the Kings had four shots on goal, and Binnington had to rise to the occasion, making two breakaway stops on Philip Danault and one on Trevor Moore. In the shootout, he made saves on Kempe and Moore, allowing Kevin Fiala to score the winning goal in the third round. Binnington’s recent form is impressive, with a 6-0-1 record in his past seven starts, a 2.24 goals-against average, and a .921 save percentage. His reliability in high-pressure situations has been a cornerstone of the Blues’ recent success.
Defensive Solidity Against the Kings
The Blues’ defense played a crucial role in limiting the Kings’ high-danger opportunities. Los Angeles is known for utilizing their big, strong, and powerful bodies to dominate the offensive zone through cycling and forechecking. However, the Blues managed to hold the Kings to just 19 shots on goal through regulation by clogging the middle of the ice and protecting the slot areas and crease. The Kings scored two goals, one from a precise shot by Quinton Byfield 32 seconds after the Neighbours goal, and another by Trevor Moore on a sustained zone stretch where a puck off the boards confused Binnington. Nonetheless, the Blues’ defense effectively limited the Kings’ time and space in the offensive zone, showcasing a disciplined and organized approach that will be vital in their push for the playoff spot.
Management’s Dilemma
With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Blues’ management team, notably Doug Armstrong, faces a significant decision. The team is currently playing their best hockey of the season, with a 6-1-1 record in their past eight games. The recent surge has put them in a strong position to make a playoff push, but the question remains: should they try to strengthen their roster through trades, or should they focus on maintaining the current chemistry and momentum? Offloading players could provide salary cap relief and draft picks, but it might disrupt the current positive dynamics. Adding new talent could bolster their playoff chances, but it also carries the risk of disrupting the team’s chemistry. Standing pat with the current group could be the safest bet, allowing the management to avoid any potential negative outcomes and ride out the season with a team that is clearly performing at a high level.
Coach and Players Reflect on the Win
After Wednesday’s victory, the sense of belief and momentum in the Blues’ dressing room was palpable. Coach Jim Montgomery emphasized the team’s growing confidence and the belief in what they can achieve. Robert Thomas, who has been on a 11-game point streak (five goals, 10 assists), highlighted the importance of the win and the chemistry within his line. Jordan Binnington, despite facing fewer shots, praised the team’s defensive effort and his own ability to stay focused in pressure situations. The collective sentiment is one of optimism and determination, as the Blues look to capitalize on their strong play and secure a playoff spot. This win, and the team’s recent performances, have set the stage for critical decisions that could shape the remainder of the season and potentially lead to postseason success.
