Blues’ Gameday Preview: Facing Blackhawks With Season On The Line – Hockey Writers – St. Louis Blues
The final weekend of the regular season is upon us, and the pressure is on. St. Louis Blues is on the brink of elimination. They are seven points behind the LA Kings, who are in last place in the Western Conference wildcards, with four games remaining.
They must win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday afternoon, or that could be the end of their playoff hopes.
Blues game day preview: Blues vs. Blackhawks
Saturday’s game is the fourth and final game between these rivals. The Blackhawks took two of three games, winning 8-3 in St. Louis and a 7-3 win in Chicago.
The Blackhawks lead the all-time series 192-166-35-7 and are looking for their first season series win over the Blues since 2018-19.
Final match: Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
On Thursday, the Blues lost 3-2 to the Winnipeg Jets. Dylan Holloway gave St. Louis’ first power play goal, but the team’s play struggled after that, finishing 1-5, with only one shot in the last four chances. This leads to a decline in the quality of special teams. This defeat, which is the second in a row for this team, reduced its chances of the playoffs which were already small.
Proposed List vs. Blackhawks (Subject to change)
- Dylan Holloway – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
- Jake Neighbors – Pavel Buchnevich – Jonatan Berggren
- Otto Stenberg – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jordan Kyrou
- Alexey Toropchenko – Jack Finley – Nathan Walker
- Philip Broberg – Logan Mailloux
- Theo Lindstein – Colton Parayko
- Cam Fowler – Tyler Tucker
- Joel Hofer/Jordan Binington
After Pius Suter was cleared Thursday, Stenberg entered the lineup. There is a chance head coach Jim Montgomery could re-instate Suter on Saturday, but that remains to be seen. For an updated list, be sure to check the link above from time to time.
Blues Team Leaders
Thomas leads the St. Louis in points (58), goals (22), assists (39), and plus/minus (plus-19). Tucker leads with 81 penalty minutes. In goal, Hofer continues to lead in three major categories: 13 wins, a 2.58 goals-against average (GAA), and a .910 save percentage (SV%).
Storyline #1 – Don’t underestimate Chicago
The Blackhawks’ on-ice product reflects their rebuilding struggles. The team has lost seven of its last eight games and holds a second chance to win the draft lottery.
Related: 2026 NHL Draft Guide
The Blues have no room for error. Chicago, though rebuilding, is dangerous—they want to finish strong, while the Blues must win to keep their season alive, and nothing is more dangerous than facing a team with nothing to lose.
Throughout the season, the Blackhawks have played well against the Blues, beating them twice (including once in St. Louis). Even the Blues won alone and it was a narrow 3-2 final. Is this a game the Blues should win? Yes. Is it a trap game? Yes.
Storyline #2 – Blues Need Goals Outside “Big Three”
Since April Fool’s Day, the Blues have scored 13 goals, with the team’s top line of Thomas, Snuggerud, and Holloway accounting for nine of them. While top line production is important, the team needs more scoring depth.
If only one line is scoring, the opposition can focus on shutting down that line, and it’s much easier if their opponent has the last change at home. Expect the Blackhawks to try to eliminate that team tonight. The Blues need more players to start scoring now. Saturday is the last, crucial chance for that to happen.
Storyline #3 – The Painful Number
Unfortunately, the Blues could be eliminated from the postseason at the end of Friday’s contests. Below are some circumstances that can lead to their termination.
- If the Blues lose to the Blackhawks in regulation, they are eliminated from playoff contention.
- If the Los Angeles Kings beat the Edmonton Oilers, the Blues will be eliminated, regardless of the result.
- If the Blues beat the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout, and the Oilers beat the Kings in overtime or a shootout, the Blues are eliminated.
- If the Blues lose to the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout, and the Nashville Predators beat the Minnesota Wild, the Blues are eliminated.
- If the Blues lose to the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout, the San Jose Sharks beat the Vancouver Canucks, and the Jets beat the Philadelphia Flyers, the Blues are eliminated.
- If the Blues lose in overtime or a shootout with the Blackhawks, the Canucks beat the Sharks in overtime, or shootouts, and the Jets beat the Flyers, then the Blues are eliminated.
Confused? Me too.
The Blues have just 0.6% of making the postseason. Every shift is do-or-die, but as Lloyd Christmas said, “So, you’re telling me there’s a chance!”
How to Watch/Listen
The game starts at 4:00 PM Central. Watch on FanDuel Sports Midwest or tune in on 101 ESPN.
Be sure to check in again Hockey Writers for more Blues coverage and league-wide content.
