As we head into the final stretch of March, the Stanley Cup Playoffs seem just out of reach for the St. Louis Blues.
But there's still plenty to unpack as the season winds down. Let's dive into the recent performances that have caught our eye.
The Blues wrapped up a three-game road swing last week, finishing with a 1-1-1 record. Here are the standout players who made an impact:
Standout #3: Jordan Binnington
Jordan Binnington had a mixed week between the pipes. Sunday's game against the Winnipeg Jets was a tough outing, with Binnington conceding two early goals, including one he'd likely want back.
Despite outplaying the Jets, the Blues fell 3-2. A few more clutch saves might have turned the tide.
On Saturday, Binnington bounced back against the Vancouver Canucks. Though not heavily tested, he stood tall when needed, helping secure a 3-1 victory.
Reflecting on the game, Binnington noted, "We had a good first two periods and the third period wasn’t perfect. We did find a way to win and in the end find a way to get that empty-net goal.
But our focus is getting better and better, and I think for the majority of the game today, we did that.”
Standout #2: Logan Mailloux
Logan Mailloux's season has been a tale of transformation. After a rocky start and a stint in the AHL, he's found his groove. Following the Justin Faulk trade, Mailloux has stepped up to the top pair, logging significant minutes-no less than 21 per game, peaking at nearly 27 on Wednesday.
His contributions last week were notable, with three assists and a plus-1 rating over three games. While he's not the only factor in the team's success, Mailloux's presence on the ice has been a positive influence, signaling promise for the Blues' future.
Standout #1: Dylan Holloway
Dylan Holloway has been on fire since the Olympics, continuing his strong form last week with two goals and an assist. The top line, featuring Holloway alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, is currently the Blues’ most formidable.
With 15 goals in 46 games, Holloway is on pace for 26 goals over a full season. Despite a year marred by injuries, he's proving last season's performance was no fluke. As the season wraps up, the Blues face a decision: lock him into a long-term extension or opt for a bridge deal to ensure durability.
The Week Ahead
The Blues are back home for a three-game homestand, starting with a visit from Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. Blues fans, this might be one of the last chances to see the legendary "Great 8" in action, so don't miss it. And let's hope the Blues can pull off a victory to cap off the night!