NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The St. Louis Blues continued their impressive late-season surge with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night, marking their season-best eighth consecutive win. Dylan Holloway was the star of the night, scoring two crucial goals that helped propel the Blues to victory in a game that saw them overcome an early deficit.
The Blues entered the game with their eyes set on solidifying their playoff position, currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. A win would not only extend their streak but also push them further ahead of the Vancouver Canucks, who are chasing the same playoff dreams. With just a handful of games left in the season, every point is critical.
In the first period, it was the Predators who struck first, racing out to a 2-0 lead. Fedor Svechkov opened the scoring with a goal that had the home crowd buzzing. Brady Skjei followed suit, netting another to put Nashville in a commanding position early on. The Blues, however, were not deterred and began to find their footing as the game progressed.
Holloway’s first goal came midway through the second period, cutting the Predators' lead to 2-1 and igniting a spark in the Blues. Just 22 seconds after Holloway’s goal, defenseman Cam Fowler found the back of the net, giving St. Louis their first lead of the night at 3-2. This quick succession of goals showcased the offensive prowess that the Blues have displayed throughout their winning streak.
Joel Hofer, the Blues’ goaltender, made 16 saves, playing a crucial role in keeping Nashville at bay, especially during a tense third period where the Predators managed just five shots on goal. The Blues' defense tightened up significantly, preventing Nashville from generating any significant offensive threats.
Despite a late attempt by Nashville's Jonathan Marchessault to tie the game, a video review confirmed that time had expired before the puck crossed the goal line, sealing the Blues' victory. The loss was particularly painful for the Predators, as it officially eliminated them from playoff contention, a disappointing outcome for a team that had high hopes at the start of the season.
The victory also marked a clean sweep for the Blues in their five-game season series against the Predators, outscoring them 15-6 over those games. This dominance highlights the disparity between the two teams this season, with the Blues showcasing their potential as they head into the playoffs.
Holloway’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he extended his career-high point-scoring streak to nine games. During this stretch, he has accumulated six goals and nine assists, bringing his total to 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in his last 17 games. His emergence as a key player for St. Louis has been a significant factor in their recent success.
Looking ahead, the Blues will face the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in what promises to be another crucial matchup as they continue their playoff push. Meanwhile, the Predators will host the Vegas Golden Knights on the same day, hoping to salvage some pride in the final stretch of the season.
As the regular season winds down, every game becomes increasingly important. The Blues are riding high on confidence, and their current form suggests they could be a formidable opponent in the playoffs. With their offensive firepower and solid defensive play, they are poised to make a significant impact as they aim for a deep postseason run.
