The NHL regular season is back in action after an exhilarating Olympics, and for St. Louis Blues fans, it's a mix of pride and reality check.
While the Blues' players shone in Milan, they return to a team sitting at 20-28-9, with 49 points-second worst in the league. The playoffs seem like a distant dream, but there's a silver lining: a prime draft pick is likely on the horizon.
This period will also be crucial for giving the younger players significant ice time, paving the way for a new chapter in Blues hockey.
But before we dive into future prospects, there are games to be played. The Blues have three matchups this week, starting with two on home ice.
First up, they face the Seattle Kraken. Despite a shaky minus-3 goal differential, the Kraken are holding a playoff spot in the weak Pacific Division.
Their solid goaltending and depth can pose challenges, but this is a winnable game for the Blues if they capitalize on their opportunities.
Next, the Blues take on the New Jersey Devils, featuring Olympic hero Jack Hughes. This game marks the first of a back-to-back for the Blues.
The Devils, like the Blues, are struggling, sitting second to last in the Eastern Conference, albeit with nine more points. The Eastern Conference exemplifies NHL parity, and while the Devils have underperformed, their talent can overwhelm opponents if they hit their stride.
The week's final challenge is on the road against the Minnesota Wild, boasting Olympic standout Quinn Hughes and led by GM Bill Guerin. With the Colorado Avalanche stumbling, the Wild have surged, closing in on the top spot in the Central Division with an impressive 8-1-1 record in their last ten games. They were riding a five-game win streak before the Olympic break, making this a daunting task for the Blues.
As we enter the final stretch of the 2025-26 season, the Blues have little to lose but much to gain in terms of future planning. GM Doug Armstrong has a golden opportunity to reshape the team at the trade deadline before his tenure concludes this summer. This week could be one of the last chances to see several familiar faces in Blues jerseys, as the team looks to the future.