After missing out last season, the Blues are back in the playoffs.

On January 3, the St. Louis Blues had the worst record in hockey. They had a chance of winning the division on April 13, however both the teams they needed to lose, won, so they finished the season in third place. The Blues are scheduled to open up the playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets, who get home ice advantage, as they finished second in the division.

“It was insane to see the Blues’ turnaround this season. I had no idea they could make the playoffs,” junior Ethan Seymore said.

During the Blues’ 30-10-5 stretch, they were helped by some key performers. Rookie Jordan Binnington put up the lowest goals against average in the National Hockey League with a 1.89 mark. His record was 24-5-1 in his rookie season. Also, he recorded a .927 save percentage. He is one of the top candidates for the Calder Trophy, given to the league’s best rookie. In his inaugural season with the Blues, Ryan O’Reilly lead the Blues in almost every major offensive stat. His 77 points were a career high, with 28 goals and 49 assists.

“O’Reilly was given to the Blues for practically nothing, and put up career numbers,” junior Blake Ebner said.

Tarasenko had some peaks and valleys during this season, he finished the season with 68 points on 33 goals and 35 assists. In the final week of the season, he has been red hot, scoring three goals. Defensively, Colton Parayko put up ten goals and 18 assists. Also, Alex Pietrangelo tallied 41 points with 13 goals 28 assists.

“Tarasenko being hot down this final stretch could be key for the Blues in the playoffs,” junior Harrison Reibow Said

The Blues open up the playoffs with a seven game series against the Winnipeg Jets.