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Blues Aim for Record-Tying 11th Straight Win Against Penguins
about 1 year agoUS
The St. Louis Blues (41-28-7) are riding high on a 10-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Pittsburgh Penguins (30-34-11) tonight at the Enterprise Center. This matchup carries significant weight, as a victory would tie the Blues' franchise record for consecutive wins and set a new record for consecutive home wins. Adding to the drama, the Penguins were the very last team to defeat the Blues back on March 13th.
Key Insights
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Historic Streak: The Blues are aiming for their 11th consecutive win, which would tie the franchise record set during their Stanley Cup-winning 2018-19 season.
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Home Dominance: St. Louis is also seeking a franchise-record 10th straight win on home ice, currently tied with the 1990-91 and 2019-20 teams at nine.
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Last Loss Rewind: The Penguins handed the Blues their most recent defeat (5-3) on March 13th in Pittsburgh.
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Hofer Gets the Nod: Goaltender Joel Hofer (.937 SV%, 1.35 GAA in last 6 games) will start for the Blues, continuing their rotation pattern.
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Penguins' Challenge: Pittsburgh snapped a three-game losing streak with an OT win against Ottawa but has struggled mightily on the road, losing seven of their last eight away games.
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Crosby Still Hot: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is on a 10-game point streak and recently set the NHL record for most point-per-game seasons (20).
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Why This Matters: This game is crucial for the Blues' playoff positioning in the Western Conference Wild Card race and offers a chance to make franchise history. For the Penguins, it's an opportunity to play spoiler against the league's hottest team.
In-Depth Analysis
The St. Louis Blues have transformed their season trajectory since their last meeting with Pittsburgh. Over their 10-game win streak, they've outscored opponents 41-14, boasting a +27 goal differential compared to a -9 differential before the streak began. Their power play (24%) and penalty kill (90.9%) have been highly effective during this run. Their latest victory, a dramatic 2-1 overtime win against Detroit sealed by Cam Fowler, showcased their resilience, tying the game with just 29 seconds left in regulation.
Tonight, Joel Hofer takes the net for St. Louis. He's been stellar recently, providing solid goaltending alongside Jordan Binnington, who himself carries a personal 9-game home winning streak. The Blues' lineup remains consistent, featuring key contributors like Fowler (5 points in last 4 games) and the reliable duo of Nathan Walker and Alexey Toropchenko, who have both surpassed 200 hits this season.
The Penguins, while coming off a 1-0 OT win fueled by Sidney Crosby's winner and Tristan Jarry's shutout, face an uphill battle. Their road performance has been poor (11-20-6 overall, outscored 17-7 in their last three road losses). Despite team struggles, Crosby continues his historic pace, leading the team in assists (54) and points (81). Pittsburgh has also integrated rookies Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen into the lineup recently.
The Blues currently sit tied with Minnesota for the Western Conference Wild Card spots, making every point critical as the regular season winds down.
FAQs
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Q: What franchise records are the St. Louis Blues chasing tonight?
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A: They are aiming to tie the franchise record for the longest overall winning streak (11 games) and set a new record for the longest home winning streak (10 games).
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Q: Who is starting in goal for the Blues against the Penguins?
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A: Joel Hofer is the confirmed starting goaltender for the Blues tonight.
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Q: When was the last time the Blues lost a game?
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A: Their last loss was on March 13, 2025, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Key Takeaways
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If you're a Blues fan: Tonight is a must-watch for the potential history-making moments and its importance in the tight Wild Card race.
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If you're a Penguins fan: Look for your team to embrace the spoiler role and rely on Sidney Crosby's continued offensive production.
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For all hockey fans: This game features the NHL's hottest team striving for records against a squad led by one of the game's all-time greats – expect intensity.
Discussion
The Blues are on the verge of tying their longest winning streak ever. Do you think they'll pull it off against the last team that beat them? Let us know your predictions!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Sources & References
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Source 1: Preview: Blues vs. Penguins | St. Louis Blues target="_blank"
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Source 2: Game Day: Joel Hofer in goal vs. Pittsburgh as Blues go for record-tying 11 in a row | St. Louis Post-Dispatch target="_blank"
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Source 3: Penguins Have Monumental Chance At Disrupting Quest For History | Yahoo Sports target="_blank"
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