The St. Louis Blues closed out the 2025-26 season on a high note, defeating the playoff-bound Utah Mammoth 5-3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The victory marked their fourth consecutive win, a season-high streak that showcased the team’s competitive spirit over the final stretch of the season. With a record of 37-33-12, the Blues finished strong after the Winter Olympic break, going 17-5-3 in their last 25 games.

Despite the late-season surge, the Blues fell just four points short of securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year, missing the postseason for three of the last four years. As a result, the team will enter the NHL Draft lottery with the 11th overall pick, along with the 15th pick acquired from the Detroit Red Wings. While some fans may lament the missed opportunity for a higher draft selection, the Blues’ recent performances revealed glimpses of a promising future.

In Thursday’s game, Robert Thomas shined with his second career hat trick, scoring three goals in just 11 days. Dylan Holloway contributed two assists, while Pavel Buchnevich notched his 20th goal of the season. Logan Mailloux scored the game-winner with just under three minutes remaining, and Joel Hofer made 20 saves to secure the win.

The offensive chemistry displayed by Thomas, Holloway, and Jimmy Snuggerud was a highlight of the season’s conclusion. This trio closed the season with an impressive total of 95 points in 25 games since February 26, with Holloway ranked sixth in the NHL with 34 points. Thomas was tied for 11th with 31 points, and Snuggerud finished with 24 points, showcasing their elite playmaking skills.

Thomas’s hat trick was a testament to the talent within the Blues’ lineup, and coach Jim Montgomery praised Holloway’s relentless pursuit of the puck, which led to crucial scoring opportunities. As the Blues look to build for the next season, the emergence of this top line offers hope for a brighter future.

Pavel Buchnevich, who faced scrutiny earlier in the season, finished strong with a three-game goal streak, scoring his 20th goal of the season early in the game against the Mammoth. His resurgence contributed significantly to the team’s offensive depth.

Logan Mailloux also had a standout moment, scoring a beautiful backhand goal that clinched the game. Despite facing challenges early in his career, Mailloux’s growth has been evident, and he played important minutes alongside Philip Broberg.

In addition to the individual accomplishments, Colton Parayko celebrated his 800th career game with the Blues, becoming the third player in franchise history to reach this milestone. Parayko expressed pride in achieving this feat with the team and emphasized the importance of passing down knowledge to younger players.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.