Bernie: The Recent Success Is Impressive. But Can the Blues Make It Last? Or Is This Just a Mirage?

The Blues are winning games at a high rate and are two points out of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. FiveThirtyEight.com gives St. Louis a 43 percent probability of making the playoffs. The Blues have earned points in 11 of their last 14 games, going 8-3-2. Their three road victories came over winning teams, Toronto, New Jersey and Minnesota. They won the last game 3-0 in St Paul with a long list of players injured.

The Blues are on a 7-3-2 run. They are scoring more goals than before. Their 5-on-5 play has improved. The team's shooting percentage is also getting better. They have a better rate of 5’on”5 goals per 60 minutes than in the first 29 games. Goalkeepers Jordan Binnington and Thomas Greiss have been good. Last season the team led the NHL in shooting percentages at all strengths and at 5'on5.

The Blues are 7-3-2 after a poor start to the season. Several players have picked up the pace during the recent bounce-back phase. Brandon Saad has seven goals in his last 11 games, Brayden Schenn has three goals and nine assists in the last four games. Pavel Buchnevich has 7 goals, 11 assists and Colton Parayko has 4 assists.

The Blues have been hit with injuries this season. The team has depth in the form of players like Calle Rosen, Jake Neighbours, Josh Leivo, Nikita Alexandrov, Noel Acciari, Alexey Toropchencko, Tyler Tucker and Steve Santini.

The Blues are 7-3-2 and have a seven-game homestand starting Tuesday night. The team chemistry is in a positive place right now. They are doing a fine job of playing through the recent chaos and turmoil. Their long-term determination and consistency will determine their fate in 2023.

Bernie is concerned about the Blues' recent success.