Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:48 am
We're 5 points from a playoff spot, albeit with 3 more games played. We are also 5 points out of the 5th pick in the draft...
Looking at the standings and the surrounding teams, I think they stay right about where they are today. Before the year, I think you and I shared the concern that even if the roster was improved over last year, they were propped up by elite goaltending that almost surely couldn't repeated itself. That's pretty much what has come to pass. Overall this year the 5 on 5 play has been much better, but the goaltending has been about league average and the special teams have actually gotten worse.
Based on points percentage, they're currently picking 8th in the draft. I think they wind up in the 7-11 range. Results get goofy after the deadline when teams load up/sell off and kids get called up. I don't think the Blues look much different as Saad is the only likely trade chip and he's not contributing much anyway. Also I have to imagine the Snuggeruds/Dvorsky types don't get more than a handful of games.