With the curtain closed on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, hockey fans are turning their attention back to the NHL, and the big question is: Can the St. Louis Blues make a playoff push? It's a tall order, but the Blues who participated in the Olympics are returning with a spark, thanks to a tournament that went as well as fans could hope for.
The primary concern for Blues fans heading into the Olympics was player health, and fortunately, the team seems to have dodged the injury bullet. Unlike the Pittsburgh Penguins, who saw Sidney Crosby sidelined for the gold medal game, the Blues appear to have emerged unscathed, which is a relief given their injury woes this season.
The Olympics also provided a platform for Blues players to shine. Pius Suter, fresh off an injury, was a standout for Switzerland, scoring two goals and tallying three points in the round-robin stage, helping his team finish a surprising second in Group A.
Sweden's journey ended in the quarterfinals against the United States, but Philip Broberg made his mark with an assist and significant ice time in that crucial game.
A pleasant surprise for Blues fans was rookie Dalibor Dvorsky. He stole the spotlight by becoming the highest-scoring NHL rookie at an Olympic Games, netting three goals and six points in six games. Dvorsky was instrumental in Slovakia's journey to the semifinals, finishing 12th in goals and 16th in overall scoring amidst a field of global stars.
The tournament also provided a chance to reassess some often-criticized Blues players. Jordan Binnington started five of Canada's six games, including the gold medal match, while Colton Parayko was tasked with defending against some of the USA's top scorers.
Parayko left Italy without scoring any points, but his defensive contributions were invaluable. He showed a more physical side, reminiscent of his play during the Four Nations tournament, and even attempted a couple of one-timers against the US-something Blues fans have been eager to see more of in the NHL.
Binnington, meanwhile, reminded everyone why he's considered a clutch goalie. Despite a challenging season, he proved his mettle in high-stakes games, posting a .914 save percentage and a 1.78 goals-against average. His performance was crucial in getting Canada to the gold medal game, where he delivered some spectacular saves.
For Blues fans, the cherry on top was the USA's gold medal victory-their first Olympic gold since 1980 and first major international tournament win since 1996. The final was a thrilling contest, with Binnington and other Blues players performing admirably, even if they weren't on the winning side.
Looking ahead, the Blues face an uphill battle to make the playoffs, sitting 14 points out of a wild card spot. However, the Olympic experience could inject some much-needed energy into the team. Players like Suter, Dvorsky, and Broberg have gained valuable experience, and Robert Thomas is nearing a return to the ice.
Parayko's Olympic performance reinforced his value, and Binnington's resurgence could be pivotal as the NHL season progresses. While some speculate about his trade value, Blues fans are hopeful this momentum carries into a strong finish to the season and a bounce-back in 2026-27.
Though no Blues player was part of the American roster, the team's representatives did themselves proud on the international stage. As the NHL season resumes, fans can look forward to competitive and entertaining games, hoping for a positive impact from the Olympic boost.