The 2024-2025 NHL season has been a compelling narrative for the St. Louis Blues, marked by periods of adversity, impressive surges, and ultimately, a hard-earned spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This article delves into their journey through the standings, key factors influencing their performance, and addresses the questions that Blues fans and hockey enthusiasts have been asking.
The Blues’ Position: Clinching a Playoff Spot in the Western Conference
As of Friday, April 18, 2025, the St. Louis Blues have officially clinched a berth in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering their position earlier in the season. Around early February 2025, the Blues were reportedly seven points out of a Wild Card spot and hadn’t held a playoff position since early November 2024.
However, a remarkable turnaround saw the Blues surge up the Western Conference standings. Since that low point in February, the team amassed an impressive record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and 4 overtime losses, earning them 46 points in that span. This incredible run was the best in the entire NHL during that period, propelling them back into contention and ultimately securing their playoff spot.
What people are asking:
Where do the St. Louis Blues rank in their division? The St. Louis Blues finished the 2024-2025 regular season in 5th place in the Central Division with a record of 44 wins, 30 losses, and 8 overtime losses, totaling 96 points. The Central Division was highly competitive, with the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Minnesota Wild finishing ahead of them.
What is the St. Louis Blues’ overall standing in the Western Conference? Their 96 points placed them in the 8th position in the Western Conference, securing the final playoff spot. This remarkable climb from outside the playoff picture to a postseason contender highlights their resilience.
Did the St. Louis Blues make the playoffs in 2025? Yes, the St. Louis Blues clinched a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking their 46th trip to the postseason in their 57-year franchise history.
When did the Blues clinch their playoff spot? The Blues officially clinched their playoff berth on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a decisive 6-1 victory against the Utah Hockey Club in their regular-season finale.
Key Factors in the Blues’ Standings Journey
The Blues’ journey through the 2024-2025 season standings was a rollercoaster, marked by both challenges and triumphs. Several factors contributed to their ultimate playoff qualification:
1. The Mid-Season Turnaround: The most significant aspect of the Blues’ season was their dramatic improvement in the latter half. Their stellar record from February onwards demonstrates a significant shift in their performance, highlighting improved team chemistry, tactical adjustments, and increased player contributions. This surge propelled them from a significant deficit to a playoff position.
2. Coaching Change: The 2024-2025 season saw a coaching change for the Blues. While the season began with Drew Bannister as coach (from October 8th to November 24th), Jim Montgomery took over on November 24th. Montgomery’s leadership and strategic adjustments likely played a crucial role in the team’s mid-season resurgence and their improved performance down the stretch. Under Montgomery’s guidance, the Blues posted a strong record of 34 wins, 18 losses, and 7 overtime losses.
Who is the coach of the St. Louis Blues? The head coach of the St. Louis Blues for the majority of the 2024-2025 season was Jim Montgomery, who took over on November 24, 2024.
Did the Blues have a coaching change this season? Yes, Drew Bannister started the season as head coach before being replaced by Jim Montgomery.
3. Key Player Performances: Several players stepped up their game during the crucial second half of the season. While individual statistics can fluctuate, consistent performances from key players were vital to the team’s success.
Robert Thomas: Led the team in assists (60) and points (78), showcasing his playmaking ability.
Jordan Kyrou: Was the team’s leading goal scorer with 36 goals and also recorded a strong plus/minus of +23.
Goaltending: The performance of the Blues’ goaltenders, particularly Jordan Binnington (who recorded 27 wins) and Joel Hofer (who posted a solid 2.64 goals-against average), was crucial in securing wins.
What people are asking:
Who are the leading scorers for the St. Louis Blues? Based on the full season statistics, Jordan Kyrou was the leading goal scorer, and Robert Thomas led in assists and total points.
Who is the captain of the St. Louis Blues? Brayden Schenn served as the captain for the 2024-2025 St. Louis Blues season.
4. Team Resilience and Momentum: The Blues demonstrated significant resilience to overcome their mid-season struggles. Their impressive winning streak of 12 games was the longest in franchise history and provided crucial momentum that propelled them up the standings. This ability to string together wins was a key factor in their playoff qualification.
What people are asking:
Did the St. Louis Blues have a long winning streak this season? Yes, the Blues had an impressive 12-game winning streak, which was the longest in the team’s history.
Analyzing the Standings and Playoff Implications
The Blues’ final standing in the Western Conference dictates their first-round opponent in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As the 8th seed, they will face the top-seeded team from their conference.
What people are asking:
Who will the St. Louis Blues play in the first round of the playoffs? As the 8th seed in the Western Conference, the St. Louis Blues will face the Western Conference regular-season champions in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Based on the final standings, this will be the Winnipeg Jets, who finished with the most points in the West.
What are the St. Louis Blues’ chances in the playoffs? Playoff hockey is a different beast, and past regular-season performance doesn’t always dictate postseason success. While the Blues enter the playoffs with significant momentum from their late-season surge, facing the top seed presents a formidable challenge. Their resilience and the performance of their key players will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The St. Louis Blues have a rich history in the NHL, including their memorable Stanley Cup victory in 2019. Their journey through the 2024-2025 season demonstrates their enduring spirit and ability to compete. Making the playoffs after facing a significant deficit showcases the team’s character and the impact of coaching and player performance.
Looking ahead, the Blues will need to carry their late-season momentum into the playoffs to have a chance at a deep run. Their performance in the first round against the Winnipeg Jets will be a significant test of their resilience and their ability to perform under pressure in the postseason.
What people are asking:
When did the St. Louis Blues last win the Stanley Cup? The St. Louis Blues won their first and only Stanley Cup in 2019.
What is the St. Louis Blues’ overall playoff history? The Blues have a long playoff history, with 46 appearances in their 57 seasons. While they have experienced periods of success, their 2019 victory remains their sole Stanley Cup title.
FAQs
What is the current record and playoff status of the St. Louis Blues?
The St. Louis Blues concluded the 2024–25 regular season with a record of 44–30–8, securing the 5th position in the Central Division and clinching the 8th seed in the Western Conference. They secured a playoff berth on April 15, 2025, with a decisive 6–1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club.
Who will the Blues face in the first round of the 2025 NHL Playoffs?
The Blues are set to face the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Who are the top performers for the Blues this season?
Robert Thomas: Led the team with 78 points (21 goals, 57 assists) in 70 games.
Jordan Kyrou: Top goal scorer with 34 goals and a +21 plus-minus rating.
Jordan Binnington: Led the team with 27 wins and became the franchise’s all-time wins leader with 152 victories.
What changes occurred in the Blues’ coaching staff during the season?
Jim Montgomery replaced Drew Bannister as head coach on November 24, 2024. Montgomery, previously an assistant coach with the Blues from 2020–2022, signed a five-year contract upon his return.
How did the Blues perform in the 2025 NHL Winter Classic?
The Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6–2 in the 2025 NHL Winter Classic held at Wrigley Field on December 31, 2024.
What was the impact of the ‘Jobu’ good luck charm on the team’s performance?
Since the introduction of ‘Jobu’, a replica voodoo doll from the movie “Major League”, into the locker room in February, the Blues experienced a remarkable turnaround, posting a 19–4–3 record and achieving a franchise-record 12-game winning streak.
What are the Blues’ strengths and weaknesses entering the playoffs?
Strengths: A potent offense led by Thomas and Kyrou, and solid goaltending from Binnington.
Weaknesses: A penalty kill that ranks 22nd in the league, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
What is the status of Robert Thomas’s injury?
Robert Thomas left the game against the Utah Hockey Club on April 15 due to a lower-body injury. Despite the injury, he contributed two assists in that game, extending his point streak to 12 games.
What roster changes did the Blues make during the season?
The Blues acquired center Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets and signed him to a two-year contract. They also added forwards Mathieu Joseph and Radek Faksa to bolster their lineup.
How does the Blues’ playoff outlook compare to other teams?
While the Blues are considered underdogs, their late-season surge and strong team chemistry have made them a team to watch in the playoffs. Analysts have noted their potential to surprise higher-seeded teams.
To conclude
In conclusion, the St. Louis Blues have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the 2024–25 NHL season. Overcoming early challenges and a mid-season coaching change, the team rallied to secure a playoff spot, showcasing the depth and talent within their roster. Key players like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou have led the offensive charge, while goaltender Jordan Binnington has provided stability between the pipes. The team’s embrace of the ‘Jobu’ good luck charm symbolizes their unity and belief in collective success. As they enter the playoffs, the Blues carry momentum and a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to make a deep postseason run and contend for the Stanley Cup.
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