Joel Hofer Delivers Statement Shutout as Blues Upset Division Rival
It’s been a rocky ride in net for the St. Louis Blues this season, but this past week brought a much-needed bright spot - and it came in the form of a clutch, 1-0 shutout win over the Utah Mammoth. Joel Hofer, who’s battled inconsistency all year, stepped up in a big way, delivering his best performance of the season when the Blues needed it most.
Let’s be clear: the goaltending situation in St. Louis has been a major concern.
Both netminders have struggled to find rhythm, and Hofer, in particular, has had a season defined by extremes. But against a familiar division foe that’s had the Blues’ number in recent years, Hofer flipped the script - and maybe, just maybe, started writing a new chapter.
A Rough Start for Hofer
The season didn’t begin poorly for Hofer. In fact, he opened with a strong win over Calgary, posting a .931 save percentage and giving fans a glimpse of the potential the organization has long believed in.
But then came a brutal stretch - three games that were, frankly, hard to watch. His save percentages in those outings? .682, .500, and .800.
Fifteen goals allowed across those games sent him plummeting to the bottom of nearly every statistical category.
It was a tough look for a young goalie trying to cement his place in the NHL. And while he’s shown flashes since - including a shutout against Buffalo and a 32-save outing against Columbus - the consistency just hasn’t been there. In a league where offensive firepower is everywhere, a sub-.900 save percentage isn’t going to cut it, especially for a team with playoff aspirations.
Hofer knew it. The team knew it. And heading into a matchup with a red-hot Utah squad, expectations were understandably low.
Turning the Tide Against Utah
Let’s set the stage. The Blues were on the second night of a back-to-back, facing a division rival that’s been a thorn in their side for years - dating back to their days as the Arizona Coyotes. Utah’s offense, led by the ever-dangerous Clayton Keller, had a history of lighting up the Blues, and Hofer’s track record didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
But this night was different.
It wasn’t a high-volume night for Hofer - Utah managed just 18 shots on goal - but that doesn’t tell the full story. The Blues blocked 23 shots, a testament to the full-team commitment to defense.
Every skater was sacrificing, battling, and doing the dirty work to keep pucks away from the net. And when the Mammoth did break through, they weren’t tossing muffin shots from the perimeter - these were legitimate scoring chances.
And Hofer answered every single one.
He tracked the puck well, stayed composed under pressure, and came up with several huge saves that kept the game scoreless deep into the third. Then, once the Blues grabbed the lead, he shut the door with the kind of calm, confident play that’s eluded him for much of the season.
His single-game goals saved above expected? 2.32 - the best mark of his season, and a number that reflects just how impactful he was.
A Win That Could Shift the Narrative
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. A gritty, grind-it-out, team-first effort that started from the net out. The Blues only needed one goal to get the job done, and Hofer made sure that was enough.
It’s the kind of performance that can change the tone around a team. Because while the forward lines are starting to click and the defensive pairings are settling in, everything still hinges on goaltending. And if Hofer can build off this - if he can find a rhythm and string together solid outings - then the Blues become a very different team.
At 25, Hofer still has time to grow into the role, but the Blues need him to be more than a work in progress. They need him to be a difference-maker. And for one night against a tough division opponent, he was exactly that.
So don’t count this team out just yet. The climb won’t be easy, but if Hofer’s performance is any indication, the Blues might just be finding their footing.