For the third time in the last four seasons, the St. Louis Blues are missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite a thrilling surge since the Winter Olympics, they couldn’t erase a rocky start. But energy remains high—on Thursday night, the Blues go on the road for one final battle before focus shifts to 2026-27. For the last time this season, it’s Blues Gameday! Let’s dive into the storylines for the electric finale against the Utah Mammoth.
Blues’ Gameday Preview: Blues vs. Mammoth
The division rivals clash for the thrilling fourth and final time this season. The Mammoth have taken two of the first three, and now the Blues are determined to battle back, win, and even the season series for a second-straight season.
The Mammoth lead the all-time series with the Blues, 4-3. This excludes the franchise’s stints in Arizona, Phoenix, or Winnipeg.
Last Game: Blues vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Blues exploded to claim victory in their last game, electrifying their fans in the final home game of the season. Storming back from a 4-1 deficit to topple the Penguins, 7-5, Jimmy Snuggerud and Dylan Holloway each lit the lamp twice. Jordan Binnington shook off a tough start to secure the win in what could be his final game wearing in St. Louis wearing the Blue Note.
Snuggerud’s strong night put him at the 20-goal mark, continuing his strong rookie season.
“It’s a good feeling for sure. It’s obviously cool as an individual, but I think from a team aspect, I’m putting aside that and just realizing that we didn’t make the playoffs. We didn’t achieve a goal that was set at the beginning of the year. It definitely stinks because you want to be competing for a Stanley Cup at the end of this week.”
- Dylan Holloway – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
- Pavel Buchnevich – Pius Suter – Jordan Kyrou
- Jake Neighbours – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jonathan Drouin
- Alexey Toropchenko – Oskar Sundqvist – Nathan Walker
- Philip Broberg – Logan Mailloux
- Cam Fowler – Colton Parayko
- Tyler Tucker – Matthew Kessel
- Joel Hofer/Jordan Binnington
Sundqvist and Walker entered the lineup Tuesday as the team played its second game in two nights. With a day off after Thursday, Jack Finley or Jonatan Berggren could return.
Blues’ Team Leaders
Thomas leads the Blues in points (60), goals (22), assists (38), and plus/minus (plus-20). Tucker leads in penalty minutes (81). Hofer leads goalies in wins (23), goals against average (2.60), and save percentage (.910).
Storyline #1- Finish Strong
The Blues enter Thursday’s game on a three-game winning streak, in two of which they shook off slow starts and early deficits. As they prepare for the season finale, carrying that momentum remains key.
Winning or losing does not change the fact that the Blues are done after Thursday. However, heading into the offseason on a four-game winning streak would leave things on a positive note and give fans something to smile about as the page turns to next season.
Although the Blues are not playing for anything meaningful, Thursday provides one last opportunity before September to wear the Blue Note. Players should aim for an effort that reflects the pride it entails, rounding off the season meaningfully.
Storyline #2- Final Games as a Blue?
Roster changes are part of every offseason, and this season will be no different. As a result, some Blues players may be skating in their last game with the club, bringing added significance to the finale.
Binnington stands out most. With Hofer primed to take over as the top netminder, Binnington’s future is up in the air. A contender desperate for a big-game goaltender could make a move this summer.
Related: Jordan Binnington May Already Be the Blues’ Best Goaltender of All-Time
Binnington may not be the only player on the market this summer. Following the attempted trade of Parayko and the interest in Thomas, it is reasonable to think that other teams may reach out again to try and get a deal done, although trading either does not seem to fit what the team needs at this moment. Other players may draw interest as well.
Sundqvist is another whose future is uncertain. As an unrestricted free agent and a part-time player this season, he may be on his way out as the organization continues to filter in more youth.
General manager Doug Armstrong’s days in that role are numbered as he is set to turn over the reins of the organization to Alexander Steen. Even so, Armstrong will remain part of the leadership as President of Hockey Operations, ensuring continuity through the transition.
Storyline #3- Statistical Benchmarks
Looking ahead to the finale, there are a few statistical storylines to keep an eye on during the game. While none are record-breaking, they offer some extra points of interest for fans.
Thomas has two assists to notch 40 or more for the fifth-straight season. Holloway has his sights set on the 50-point mark. Buchnevich is on the brink of his sixth-straight 20-goal season—just one more to hit the milestone!
How to Watch
The puck drops at 6:30 p.m. Central. Catch all the action on ESPN or listen live on 101 ESPN. Don’t miss a moment.
Stay tuned with The Hockey Writers for non-stop, league-wide coverage. The playoffs and the race for Lord Stanley’s Mug are just getting started.
