Can’t win them all. The St. Louis Blues finally hit a roadblock in their red-hot run in the 2024-25 NHL season. After twelve consecutive victories, the Blues ultimately came up short agains the best team in the West, the Winnipeg Jets. After the close 2-1 defeat in Manitoba, captain Brayden Schenn dropped a key reminder to his teammates, with a bold warning to the Edmonton Oilers.
The Blues put on the largest winning streak in the NHL this season, stringing together 12 straight triumphs to solidify their place as a contender heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though they have yet to punch their ticket.
Obviously, the double-digit win streak came in handy for the Blues, helping them build a buffer over the rest of the Western Conference in the wild card race. Though their recent loss may be deflating, they can’t afford to hang their heads after the loss to the Jets.
In hopes of keeping the flame alive in the locker room, Schenn issued a strong message to his teammates about their upcoming test with the Oilers, amid an intense battle for the postseason.
“[The Jets are] top of the league, right? They’re there for a reason,” Blues captain Brayden Schenn stated postgame, per NHL.com. “They play hard defense, no time and space, good goalie. Second period I thought we got it going there a little bit. And then, obviously in the third [we] gave one up there and had some chances late and weren’t able to capitalize, but onto the next one now and we’re going to go win in Edmonton.”
Bloodhounds
Schenn’s last comment reflects a common feeling in the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers aren’t looking like their best version without McDavid on the lineup, and Draisaitl battling several injuries in a short span.
The Oilers haven’t clinched their seat in the playoffs, either, and recent losses have raised concerns about their status heading to the postseason.
Schenn and the Blues sense a favorable matchup with the Oilers, especially with Edmonton dearly missing their captain and arguably the best player in the league. Moreover, Draisaitl’s participation during April 9’s clash with the Blues isn’t guaranteed, either.
Final stretch
St. Louis needs to keep stacking up wins—they control their own destiny, and a victory at Rogers Place could be paramount in finally securing their playoff ticket and putting the suspense to rest.
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Which team will miss the playoffs in the West?
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The Calgary Flames pose the biggest threat to the Blues at the moment. As the current first team out in the West, Calgary has five games left on its schedule, while St. Louis has just three remaining. Sitting six points behind, the Flames are lurking—ready to pounce the moment the Blues stumble.