St. Louis Blues Push for Playoff Berth Amid Franchise-Best Winning Streak

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — The St. Louis Blues established a franchise record with their 12th consecutive victory on Saturday, enhancing their chances of clinching a Stanley Cup playoff berth. The landmark win came during a weekend that saw Blues and Chicago Blackhawks alumni gather for Kelly Chase‘s second annual Puck Cancer – Second Shift Alumni game, benefiting the Siteman Cancer Center and The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Blues tied the previous franchise record of 11 wins with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, before breaking it with another 5-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche. Joel Quenneville, who began his coaching career with the Blues in 1997, remarked on the team’s performance, stating, “They’re skating unbelievable. They’re playing up-tempo hockey, they’re pressuring the puck, they look dangerous off the rush, and their speed is dangerous.”

As the Blues (43-28-7) prepare for a crucial matchup against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, they enter the game as the first wild card team in the Western Conference, just two points ahead of the Minnesota Wild. A win against the Jets in regulation, combined with a loss by the Calgary Flames to the San Jose Sharks, would secure a playoff spot for St. Louis.

Since the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Blues have transformed their season, going 18-2-2, significantly turning around their earlier struggles. Remarkably, they have achieved their current winning streak without top defenseman Colton Parayko, sidelined since March 5 due to a knee scope. In Parayko’s absence, the team’s defensive core has stepped up, most notably goalie Jordan Binnington, who recorded his 10th straight home win and has a 1.84 goals-against average during the current stretch.

Blues forward Alexey Toropchenko noted, “They have all the tools, they’ve got great youth, a great coach. Binnington has sparked a resurgence of attitude. He just needs something to play for outside of the standard 82-game season.”

This season’s run is reminiscent of the Blues’ 2018-19 championship season, although captain Brayden Schenn emphasized that the team’s chemistry and dynamics have evolved. “It’s completely different guys now,” Schenn said. “But as far as resilience, that’s a similar feeling.”

The team’s confidence is reflected in how they have managed to win even when trailing, with better scoring distribution across lines. Former Blues forward Paul Stastny praised the change in their gameplay, stating, “They find ways to stay in the game and maybe win one late.”

The Puck Cancer event added a touch of nostalgia as alumni returned, with Chase, who is battling leukemia, leading the charge. The event raised over $400,000 last year and features notable participants and coaches, including Hall of Famer John Elway and Quenneville himself.

As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Blues must maintain their momentum to lock in a playoff position and extend their astonishing run. Fans are eager for what’s next as spring brings the promise of more excitement on the ice.