The St. Louis Blues made a stunning comeback in a tightly contested game against the Vancouver Canucks on March 20, 2025, clinching their playoff spot in the Western Conference. With a score of 4-3, the victory marked the Blues' rise from being eight points out of playoff contention just weeks before this pivotal match.
The action unfolded at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, where the atmosphere was electric. Players and fans alike contributed to a playoff-like environment that had not been seen from the Blues earlier in the season. After a strong performance, Philip Broberg sealed the victory with an overtime goal at 3:42, ensuring that the team moved above the playoff line for the first time since November 6, 2024.
In reflecting on the competitive nature of the match, Blues coach Jim Montgomery said, “That was a playoff game and boy, what momentum swings in it. I really liked our resilience.” The team demonstrated grit and determination throughout the game, showcasing their growth since the beginning of the season.
Fans were especially energetic during the game. Dylan Holloway, who contributed a goal and an assist, described the crowd as “super loud,” adding, “You could feed off that energy. After ‘Tucksy’ scored, they were jumping. It was really fun to be a part of.” His sentiments echoed the overall vibe in the arena—the collective eagerness to support and rally behind the team.
The first two periods saw the teams locked in a defensive battle, with the Blues unable to break through the offensive wall set by Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen. However, the tide turned when Zack Bolduc finally netted a goal at 15:47 in the second period, giving the Blues a 1-0 lead. The Canucks responded vigorously, and the game shifted dramatically in the third period.
Just over a minute into the third, Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood scored to tie the game 1-1. Brock Boeser then scored his 200th career goal, giving Vancouver a brief lead at 6:35. However, the Blues adapted quickly. Tyler Tucker and Holloway came back with back-to-back goals within 24 seconds, reclaiming the lead, 3-2.
What held the promise of a definitive victory soon turned into a nail-biting finish when Boeser tied the game again at 19:56, sending it into overtime. Montgomery later reflected on the need for mental fortitude, stating, “The talk on the bench was great... It was never, ‘What did we just give up?’ We’re staying in the moment really well mentally.”
In overtime, the decisive moment occurred as Broberg finished a 2-on-1 play initiated by Holloway and assisted by Brayden Schenn. Broberg noted, “I just tried to drive the net and he was able to do a great pass and I just tried to take it to the backhand and just happy it went in.” This pivotal goal emphasized the belief and teamwork the Blues had developed over the season.
The victory over the Canucks not only secured the Blues their fourth consecutive win but also reinforced the strides made by their younger players, such as Tucker, Neighbours, and Bolduc, in high-pressure game scenarios. Montgomery praised their growth, mentioning, “The experience they’re getting down the stretch run is only going to help us next year and for years to come.” He emphasized the significance of these games as vital learning experiences for the team's future.
Despite the excitement, the game raised questions about missed opportunities. Montgomery pointed out several instances where the team could have sealed the victory earlier. “We should have scored into the empty net twice... we should have executed better,” he said, referencing moments that could have changed the dynamics of the game significantly.
With the Blues clinching a critical playoff slot, the outcome of this game may loom large come season's end. Should they miss the playoffs by a narrow margin, players and coaches alike will inevitably reflect back on this moment. Team morale appears to be at an all-time high, having learned to navigate both high and low moments efficiently. Holloway concluded, “It’s definitely deflating, but that’s where we’ve grown as a team. We had that team belief. When guys are stepping up and saying that, it kind of chills the bench a little bit.”
As the playoffs approach, the St. Louis Blues have demonstrated they’re not only fighting for the present but also building a promising future, strengthened by the layered experiences of each game. Their thrilling victory against the Canucks is just a precursor to what may lie ahead.
