Blues return to Stanley Cup Playoffs after impressive end to the season

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KBSI) – For the first time since 2021, the St. Louis Blues are heading back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, thanks to a dominant second half of the season surge that included a franchise record 12 game win streak. A 19-4-3 finish to the regular season, good for 41 points to end the regular season. The Blues (44-30-8) enter as the Western Conference’s eighth seed and are set to face the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets in the first round.

With Game 1 scheduled for Saturday in Winnipeg, with puck drop set for 5 p.m. The team returned to the practice rink today to prepare for the opening round match-up.

“It’s exciting,” said right winger Zach Bolduc, playing his first full NHL season. “The opportunity to play in the playoffs is really fun, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

While Bolduc is new to postseason hockey, he’s well aware of the challenge ahead. Prepared to make a difference after an impressive season, 19 goals, and 17 assists.

“They’ve got a lot of experience,” Bolduc said referring to the Jets. “They’ve been in the playoffs for a few years now, so they know how to win. We just have to be ready to compete and show what we can do.”

Veteran defenseman Cam Fowler continues that message, talking about the importance of starting strong, especially on the road.

“You’re going to have to win on the road in the playoffs to have success,” Fowler said. “It’s about getting in there, getting settled, and getting into the game right away.”

The Blues starting defensive unit is a well experienced group 4,420 combined games of experience. The core knows what it takes to win in the postseason. Net-front presence, Fowler says, is often the key.

“The majority of goals in the playoffs come from rebounds right in front of the net,” he said. “Goalies are so good these days, so you’ve got to win that battle zone.”

That veteran presence has made a difference for forwards like Jordan Kyrou. Scoring 36 goals, and adding 34 assists.

“Our D-core has played a ton of playoff games,” Kyrou said. “They know what it’s going to be like, and it makes our job a little easier up front.”

The Blues playoff push followed the Four Nations Tournament, a shining moment for goaltender Jordan Binnington. Since the break, the team collected 41 points in their final 26 games. That late season push has many inside the locker room reminiscing about the franchise’s glorious 2019 Stanley Cup run.

“It feels like that again,” said captain Brayden Schenn. “That team and this one are different, but it’s the same feel. We knew we had the pieces. It’s about playing for each other and believing.”

Still, the focus remains on the next opportunity.

“Our focus is on Winnipeg and this first round,” said left winger Jake Neighbours. “We’ll reflect on the experience afterward. Right now, it’s all about winning.”

For Schenn, there’s an added personal incentive to this match-up. He will be going head-to-head with his brother, Luke Schenn, a defenseman for the Jets for the first time in the playoffs.

“You never envision both of us making it to the NHL and then playing against each other for the Stanley Cup, playoffs” Brayden said. “Back in the day, we played on the backyard rink for a trophy. Now, it’s the real thing. We’ll compete hard, have fun, and smile about it later.”

As the Blues prepare to face the Jets squad, they carry the momentum of a impressive run and the hope that another magical playoff run is ahead.