Blues' Wild Playoff Push: Can They Clinch A Spot?

The St. Louis Blues are experiencing a remarkable late-season resurgence, dramatically altering their playoff prospects. Previously near the bottom of the NHL standings, the team has compiled an 11-3-2 record since the Olympic break concluded in late February. This surge has placed them within striking distance of a playoff berth, with only nine games remaining in the regular season.

Making the playoffs hinges on a razor-thin margin for error. A best-case scenario of winning all remaining nine games would result in 91 points, a total that historically rarely secures a playoff spot. The primary challenge is navigating a crowded race for the Western Conference's second wild-card seed.

Teams like the Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, and Seattle Kraken are all within reach. The Blues must outpace these five teams by April 16th to clinch a spot. Key head-to-head matchups, including games against the Kings and Jets, offer crucial opportunities to gain ground.

Adding to the challenge, the Blues face the most difficult remaining schedule based on opponent win percentage. However, two upcoming games against the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche could be pivotal. Strong performances in these matchups could significantly boost their playoff chances.

A potential advantage for the Blues lies in the NHL's tiebreaker system. They currently lead their wild card competitors with 27 regulation wins, a crucial tiebreaker if teams finish with equal points. Achieving at least seven more regulation wins could secure this advantage, though external help from other teams' schedules will also be necessary.