Apr 7, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; St. Louis Blues left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) celebrates his goal against the Winnipeg Jets in the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Blues Clinch 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff Bid

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 10:50 PM ET

The St. Louis Blues were out of the playoff picture halfway through the season, but then they found their footing. A 12-game, franchise-record-setting winning streak propelled them up the standings and into a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. After defeating the Utah Hockey Club, the Blues have officially clinched a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Blues enter the postseason as one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. No one wants to play the hottest team in the league come playoffs, and the Blues certainly hold that honor in the West.

The @StLouisBlues end the day on a high note: they’re officially headed to the 2025 #StanleyCup Playoffs.

After being eight points out of a position ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off, St. Louis will return to the postseason for the first time since 2022.#NHLStats:… pic.twitter.com/f3lsC0YbzF
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 16, 2025

Leading the charge for St. Louis is forward Robert Thomas. He's scored points in 9/10 straight games and leads the Blues in scoring. The 25-year-old forward has surpassed the 75-point plateau for the third time and is on the cusp of breaking the 80-point mark for the second time in his NHL career.

Of course, the biggest x-factor for the Blues is former Stanley Cup-winning goalie, Jordan Binnington. The veteran netminder rediscovered his clutch gene during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. As the starter for Team Canada, he backstopped the powerhouse nation to another gold medal in international play. Since the tournament, Binnington's performed like the same goalie that carried the Blues to their 2019 Stanley Cup championship.

One underrated piece of their team is defenseman Cam Fowler. The team acquired him earlier in the season after the veteran puck mover and his former team, the Anaheim Ducks, agreed to part ways. Since joinng the Blues, his game has undergone a resurgence. He had just four points in 17 games before the trade, but has nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points in 48 games. He's been an incredible replacement for the injured Torey Krug and given the Blues a reliable top-four defenseman for a playoff run.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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