St. Louis Blues 2024–25 Season & Playoff Review: A Foundation Shaken, a Future Waiting
The St. Louis Blues wrapped up the 2024–25 NHL season with a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the playoffs. Despite flashes of competitiveness and a midseason coaching shake-up, glaring trends — both statistical and structural — defined their campaign.
Midseason Turnaround: Enter Jim Montgomery
After a rocky start under interim coach Drew Bannister, the Blues made a bold move by hiring Jim Montgomery, who was let go by the Boston Bruins earlier in the season. Montgomery brought structure, accountability, and a possession-based system that initially boosted results. Under his leadership, the Blues surged to a 44–30–8 finish and clinched a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season with a dominant 6–1 win over Utah.
First-Round Playoff Exit vs. Winnipeg Jets
The Blues pushed the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets to seven games but ultimately lost in overtime in Game 7 — a bitter pill made worse by a last-minute goal allowed in regulation that tied the game. This moment underscored a deeply rooted issue for the Blues: an inability to close out games.
Disturbing Trend: Early and Late Period Goals
If the 2024–25 Blues had a calling card, it was this: surrendering goals in the opening minutes and in the final moments of periods. The team consistently conceded momentum early, allowing 19 first-minute goals this season (ranking among the league’s worst), and regularly gave up back-breaking goals in the final two minutes of periods.
Nowhere was this more evident than in Game 7 vs. Winnipeg, where the Blues conceded a game-tying goal with under 30 seconds left in regulation. These mental lapses and defensive breakdowns became symbolic of a team that could not protect leads or seal victories — a critical failure that must be addressed in the offseason.
Player Highlights and Lowlights
Robert Thomas (78 points) and Jordan Kyrou (34 goals) were offensive leaders during the regular season but disappeared late in the Jets series. Neither registered a point in Games 6 or 7 — and both were on the ice for crucial goals against.
Nathan Walker was the Blues’ most consistent playoff performer. His hustle, forecheck, and fearless play earned him MVP honors from fans and teammates alike.
Nick Leddy and Ryan Suter were steady but unspectacular. While both logged important minutes, their limited foot speed was exposed in transition.
Emerging Talent Worth Watching
Dalibor Dvorský made his NHL debut late in the season after notching 43 points in the AHL. His hockey IQ and offensive potential make him a top candidate to break out next year.
Jimmy Snuggerud dominated at the collegiate level (28 points in 22 games) and may push for an NHL roster spot out of training camp.
Theo Lindstein and Adam Jiříček both project as mobile, puck-moving defensemen — something the Blues sorely need.
Offseason Priorities: Fix the Foundation
Close Out Games: Mental toughness and defensive awareness in high-pressure situations must become a focus. Whether it’s system adjustments or leadership accountability, the Blues must stop bleeding goals at the beginning and end of periods.
Add a Goal Scorer: The Blues were outshot in over 60% of their games. They need a dynamic, high-volume shooter to spark the offense — someone who can tilt the ice.
Trade to Upgrade: Management may need to consider moving a marquee name (e.g., Kyrou, Buchnevich, or even Thomas) to bring in a more consistent, playoff-proven finisher.
Blue Line Rebuild: Leddy and Suter can’t be long-term answers. The future needs to include faster, more aggressive puck movers to match the speed of Western Conference opponents.
Increase Shot Generation: Montgomery’s system relies on puck possession — but the execution must improve. The Blues were in the bottom third in shots per game (29.7), and that must change if they want to sustain offensive pressure.
Final Thoughts
The 2024–25 season was a study in potential interrupted by old habits. Despite solid goaltending, budding talent, and a proven head coach, the Blues failed to rise above their structural flaws. If Jim Montgomery and GM Doug Armstrong can bring in a legitimate scorer, shore up the blue line, and instill killer instinct in crunch time, this team has the pieces to go further next year.
