In the unforgiving landscape of the NHL, early-season slumps can feel like quicksand, making it difficult to make up ground and contend for a playoff position later in the season. For the St. Louis Blues, the 2025-26 campaign has begun with a thud: a 3-6-1 record through their first 10 games, landing them dead last in the Central Division, 14th in the Western Conference, and a dismal 30th overall in the league. With a 1-4-1 mark at home and a -15 goal differential, the preseason buzz about this squad as a potential playoff contender feels like a distant echo.
As they stare down the barrel of the next 10 contests—starting with their second game of the season against the Vancouver Canucks—the time for excuses is over. It’s time for action. The issues are multifaceted, starting in net. Jordan Binnington, the veteran anchor, has posted a 3.27 goals-against average (GAA) and an .863 save percentage (SV%), numbers that scream for improvement from the 2019 Stanley Cup hero. Backup Joel Hofer’s stats are even more alarming: a 5.81 GAA and a .793 SV%. While not all of the goals allowed can be pinned entirely on the goaltenders, timely saves have been missing in key moments where both Binnington and Hofer have been unable to rise to the occasion.
Offensively, the Blues are averaging a meager 25.5 shots on goal per game while allowing 25.4 against. Special teams aren’t helping much either: a power play clicking at just 20.7% and a penalty kill sputtering at 70.4%—both hovering near the league’s bottom tier.
njuries and underperformance compound the woes. Leading goal scorer Jake Neighbours is sidelined with a lower-body injury, set for re-evaluation in five weeks—a massive blow to a forward group already struggling.
Jordan Kyrou leads the team with eight points, but stars like Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas, and Dylan Holloway have combined for a paltry four goals. Rookie Jimmy Snuggerud continues to show promise with three goals and six points in 10 games, while offensive defenseman Logan Mailloux has experienced a tougher transition to the NHL with zero points and a -7 rating through seven outings.
Yet, hope isn’t lost.
With 72 games remaining, the Blues can use the next 10 which provide a good mix of home games against Eastern and Western Conference teams who’ve all experienced their share of early-season struggles, to test their mettle. The changes needed aren’t drastic, mind-blowing, or outlandish. It boils down to playing a smart, simple brand of hockey.
First, stabilize the crease. Coach Jim Montgomery must lean on Binnington for consistency. He’s the starting goaltender, and Montgomery will need him at his best. However, Hofer also needs to return to form. St. Louis has seen what he’s capable of, and the early-season struggles he’s endured aren’t representative of his true ability. Goaltending wins championships; it must win these next games.
Offensively, the Blues must rediscover the spark and fun that made them one of the best scoring teams of the 2024–25 season. Kyrou’s production is one of the lone bright spots. He’s clicking right now, and the Blues need to do a better job feeding him the puck in transition and on the power play to boost that 20.7% efficiency. Integrate Snuggerud more prominently on the top lines, leveraging his scoring touch to alleviate pressure on the veterans. Buchnevich, Thomas (when healthy), and Holloway need to shake off the rust.
There’s been a clear lack of focus through the first 10 games, visible at times throughout entire periods. Practicing drills emphasizing net-front presence and quick releases could unlock another layer to this offense. The Blues should aim to bump shots on goal to 30-plus per game by emphasizing puck possession and forechecking aggression. They need to stop firing pucks directly at goaltenders and instead open shooting lanes while blocking the goalie’s line of sight.
Defensively, tighten the screws. Statistically, the even shots for and against show the Blues have a decent structure in place, but that -15 differential screams for better gap control and more shot-blocking. Since his return from the press box, Mailloux has played better, but his -7 rating remains a red flag. There will be growing pains; taking things 10 games at a time with clear re-evaluation and execution should be the priority for him.
Finally, the mental side. The Blues need to show more resilience, starting fresh with every shift. No more hanging heads when something goes wrong. Their home record is abysmal, and turning Enterprise Center into a fortress begins with high-energy starts that engage fans early. When adversity hits, the crowd’s energy and Montgomery’s messaging must emphasize process over panic. Small wins like outshooting opponents, sustaining pressure on the power play, or posting perfect penalty-kill nights can build confidence and momentum.
If executed, these tweaks could optimistically yield six wins in the next stretch, propelling the Blues toward .500 and reigniting playoff chatter. But it all starts with one win to get the team rolling in the right direction.