A Glimmer of Hope in a Tough Loss
ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Blues’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night at Enterprise Center was a mixed bag of emotions. For a team teetering on the brink of playoff contention, the loss stung, but there were silver linings. Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, and the rest of the team showed flashes of the form that could make a difference in their playoff push, especially as the March 7 trade deadline looms. The Blues (25-26-6) are in a precarious position, and the next few games will be crucial in determining whether the team will make a push or start to think about the future.
Thomas and Buchnevich Shine
Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich were the standout performers for the Blues. Thomas scored twice and added an assist, extending his point streak to five games. His first goal came when the Blues were trailing 1-0. Buchnevich’s tenacious forecheck allowed Thomas to spring a 2-on-1 with Jake Neighbours, and Thomas wired a shot into the top corner to tie the game. Just 16 seconds into the third period, Thomas tied the game again, this time with a backhand wrap-around after Buchnevich found him in space. Buchnevich, too, had a notable performance, scoring a crucial power-play goal to give the Blues a 3-2 lead. His goal was a stroke of confidence, as he had been encouraged to shoot more often by the coaching staff. Both players attributed their strong performances to a renewed focus and a reset after the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
The Line’s Resurgence
The line with Thomas, Buchnevich, and Neighbours was particularly effective, showcasing the kind of play the Blues need from their top players. Coach Jim Montgomery praised their practice efforts, noting that their investment in training paid off during the game. The line’s physicality and ability to forecheck and transition the puck quickly were evident. Thomas’s dominance in the face-off circle, winning 15 of 19, also contributed to the team’s energy. Buchnevich’s confidence in shooting the puck more often was a positive sign, and his ability to create plays with his natural instincts highlighted his value to the team. Despite the loss, their performance offered hope and a blueprint for the team’s future.
The Sting of a Late Equalizer
The Blues had multiple chances to secure the win, but they fell short in the critical moments. One of the most frustrating aspects was allowing the Jets to tie the game with 28 seconds remaining. Neal Pionk’s double minors in the same sequence gave the Blues a golden opportunity to ice the game, but they couldn’t convert the power-play into an insurance goal. When the Jets pulled Eric Comrie for the extra attacker, Gabriel Vilardi tipped in a shot from the high slot, a result of the Blues failing to block the lane. Montgomery acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the positives, noting that the team had a strong third period and created numerous scoring chances. The breakdown in the defensive zone, however, was a clear area for improvement.
The Need to Learn to Close Games
The inability to close out games with a one-goal lead has been a recurring issue for the Blues. Radek Faksa, playing far off the point player, couldn’t get into the shooting lane in time to prevent the tying goal. Buchnevich highlighted this as a critical area where the team needs to improve. “It’s too many games like that,” he said. “We have a couple of games with a one-goal lead, and we slip a little bit. We’ve got to learn how to close those games and get two points there.” The team will need to be more disciplined and focused in these moments to avoid similar outcomes in future games, especially against top competition like the Jets.
The Jets’ Dominance and the Blues’ Resilience
The Winnipeg Jets, currently the best team in the NHL, were relentless in their forecheck, a strategy that often leaves opponents struggling. The Jets’ physical play and ability to overwhelm with their big bodies made it a tough challenge for the Blues. However, the Blues managed to handle the forecheck well at times, showing resilience and physicality. Montgomery noted that while the Blues’ puck management wasn’t at its best, neither was the Jets’. He emphasized the importance of making the right decisions, especially coming out of a long break, and the need to regain the physical edge that can be lost during extended layoffs. The upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche will be another opportunity for the Blues to build on their positives and address their weaknesses.
