How will the Blues finish this season?

Predicting how the St. Louis Blues will play is undoubtedly one of the hardest tasks. Throughout the season we've seen slumps and streaks followed by streaks then slumps. The Blues are 9-1-1 this month with a current winning streak of six games. With six games remaining in the season, here are Peter Hempstead's (@petehempstead) game-by-game predictions followed by a few general predictions.

© Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Game by Game Predictions

3/30: @Vegas Golden Knights
Expect playoff level hockey in this game.  This will be a tough challenge for the Blues going to Vegas where they have gone 27-9-2 at home. This game has strong potential to be both Nolan Stevens debut and a first round playoff preview.
Prediction: Blues lose 3-2

3/31: @Arizona Coyotes
This game seems like a “gimme” for the Blues. The Coyotes are currently jockeying for better odds in the lottery and are one of the worst teams in the league. A loss in this game would be devastating for Blues fans and the Blues’ playoff hopes. Expect Hutton to return and start the second game of the back to back.
Prediction: Blues win 4-1

4/2: Washington Capitals
The Blues return home to face off against the Capitals and Ex-Blue TJ Oshie. The Blues have played well at home recently and I expect them to continue in this game.
Prediction: Blues win 4-2

4/4: Chicago Blackhawks
I expect this game to be similar to the Coyotes game because the Blackhawks are also hoping for a high pick in this year’s draft.
Prediction: Blues win 3-1

4/6: @Chicago Blackhawks
Expect more of the same from the game before.
Prediction: Blues win 3-2

4//7: @Colorado Avalanche
This is a big one and comes on the back end of a back to back. Colorado is currently the odd man out (as of 3/28) and will likely be in desperate need of a win in the final game of the season. Expect a hard fought game if the Blues need a win. Expect Blues to rest their players and not give 100% if they have clinched a playoff berth.
Prediction: Blues lose 2-1


Points Predictions:
-Tarasenko averages more than one point per game to close the season. 
-Nolan Stevens plays in 3 or more of the Blues’ remaining 6 contests and gets his first NHL point in one of them. He was one of the best scorers in the NCAA this season (24 goals and 18 assists), and I fully expect his first NHL point to be a goal. 
-Joel Edmundson continues to take on top minutes (Averages over 25 minutes played since the Carl Gunnarsson injury).
-Vince Dunn continues to surprise and shine. He seems to have an incredibly bright future.

---

Peter Hempstead
@petehempstead