As the NHL season winds down, the St. Louis Blues find themselves in a tight spot.
With only 14 games left and sitting seven points shy of a playoff berth, they have a steep hill to climb. Four teams stand between them and a wild-card spot, but hope isn't entirely lost.
If the Blues can catch fire in these remaining games, they might just make things interesting in the final week-a scenario that seemed improbable earlier in the season.
However, turning this hope into reality is no small feat. The Blues have faced their share of struggles this season, and their trade deadline moves haven't made things easier. To gauge their chances, let's dive into their upcoming schedule and assess the level of competition they face.
Initially, the Blues have a seemingly manageable slate of games. They face the Capitals, Maple Leafs, and Sharks twice to wrap up March.
These teams, much like the Blues, are on the playoff fringe, making this stretch a prime opportunity to build momentum. Winning against similarly positioned teams could boost the Blues' confidence and spark a late-season rally.
But come April, the road gets significantly tougher. Seven of their nine games are against playoff-bound teams, including two matchups with the Avalanche, and one each with the Mammoth and Penguins-all formidable opponents sitting among the league's elite. These teams have already posed challenges for the Blues this season, and even if they rest players after clinching playoff spots, they remain daunting adversaries.
Given this grueling schedule, the Blues might need to shift their focus. Improving their draft position could be a strategic move for the franchise's future.
Currently, they hold the fifth spot in the NHL draft, with an 8.5% chance at the first overall pick. This year's draft class is deep, featuring potential franchise-changers like Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg.
Securing one of these talents could lay the foundation for the Blues' next competitive era.
For fans, it might be tough to cheer for losses, but focusing on the draft could be the key to a brighter future for the Blues. Embracing this strategy could pave the way for the team to rise again in the coming seasons.