St. Louis Blues 2024-25 Game 25: Pros and Cons
The St. Louis Blues initially benefited from their recent coaching change, winning two games in a row, including a rare shutout. However, their second game against the Philadelphia Flyers started off much rougher.
After their most shot-heavy game of the season, the Blues struggled offensively, managing only six shots in the first period while also conceding a goal. The Flyers opened the scoring midway through the period, capitalizing on a backdoor tap-in after outpacing the Blues through the neutral zone. At the time of the goal, the Blues hadn’t registered a shot on net.
The second period was more of a mixed performance. The Blues showed some offensive improvement at times but also struggled defensively, relying heavily on goaltender Jordan Binnington. He made a crucial mid-air glove save to keep the Blues within one, after the Flyers nearly doubled their lead. Despite some odd-man rushes, the Blues couldn’t sustain offensive pressure and struggled with fatigue, committing two late penalties and allowing the Flyers to maintain pressure.
As the period neared its end, Binnington was once again a key player, making a spectacular glove save after stopping a net-front shot in a scramble. In the third period, the Blues generated some momentum and finally equalized at 11:11 when Dylan Holloway scored with a powerful wrist shot. However, the Flyers quickly responded with a rebound goal after a turnover in the Blues’ defensive zone, taking the lead back.
Binnington continued to make highlight-reel saves, stopping two breakaways late in the game. With 2:10 left, the Blues earned a power play but struggled to generate shots. Despite the Flyers blocking multiple attempts, they finally scored the equalizer through a rebound, sending the game to overtime. Unfortunately, the Flyers clinched the win just 28 seconds into overtime after a broken play sent them on a breakaway.
Pro: Clutch Play at the End
The Blues showed impressive resilience late in the game, pulling off a perfect execution when it mattered. After maintaining a five-on-four advantage, they set up key chances, and following a scramble, Jake Neighbours capitalized to tie the game. This late push demonstrated a determination to stay in the fight.
Con: Defensive Vulnerabilities
The main issue for the Blues was the numerous high-quality chances they allowed. Binnington was forced to face multiple breakaways, odd-man rushes, and backdoor plays throughout the game. While he kept them in it, it underscored a bigger problem: without his stellar performance, this could’ve been another blowout loss, as seen in earlier games.
Pro: Jordan Binnington’s Heroics
Binnington was undeniably the Blues’ MVP in this game, saving them from a much worse fate. His performance included two saves that could be contenders for save of the year, keeping the team alive in the game. Even though the Blues’ defense faltered, Binnington proved he could carry them when needed.
Con: Turnovers
The Blues continue to struggle with turnovers at critical times. They were charged with 21 giveaways in the game, which is incredibly high. Several of these turnovers directly led to Flyers goals. This is an ongoing issue that has been a major problem throughout the season, with turnovers regularly creating scoring opportunities for opponents.
Overall Thoughts
While the loss itself isn’t the biggest disappointment, the return of old bad habits—like careless turnovers and defensive lapses—was troubling. The coaching change has given the team a boost, but it hasn’t solved all their issues. If not for Binnington’s outstanding play, this could have been another embarrassing defeat. The Blues must improve on limiting turnovers and tightening their defense, especially if they want to stay competitive.
Ultimately, the Blues earned a point and remain near .500, which keeps them in the playoff hunt. However, they need to clean up their mistakes and ensure they don’t fall back into old patterns. The hope is that these recent struggles are just a temporary setback and not a return to the form that plagued them earlier in the season.
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