The St. Louis Blues are coming off a successful road trip. The team went 3-1 and beat some of the league’s best teams. One of the reasons for their winning success is the play one of their core members, Robert Thomas.
Robert Thomas Fueling Blues Winning
Thomas has found success since returning from injury. The 2024 All-Star has scored four goals and added six assists. Furthermore, Thomas recorded three points in the Blues 4-3 overtime win on Tuesday, including a shorthanded goal.
Thomas was the clear MVP of the road trip. In four games, Thomas scored three goals. Furthermore, he added six assists. The nine total points made him a two-point-per-game player on the road trip. A point-per-game player last season, it is not unexpected to see Thomas produce like this.
Thomas Has Found Scoring Touch He Was Missing
Prior to his injury, Thomas was having an excellent start to the season. He averaged 20:33 per game, won 62.6% of his draws, and posted career-best possession numbers with a 58.1 CF% and 64.9 xGF% at even strength.
However, his scoring numbers were down. Thomas had just one goal in seven games. It was unlikely the scoring slump would last, but it was unknown how the injury would impact him. As it has turned out, it has not impacted him at all. In fact, it would seem Thomas is looking to make up for lost time.
New Coach Instilling Confidence and Winning
Of course, Thomas is not the only one deserving of credit. New head coach Jim Montgomery has helped the Blues in a big way as well. The Blue Note have gone 5-1-1 since Montgomery took over.
After the Blues win on Tuesday, Thomas was asked about what has led to the team’s winning ways. The forward talked about the growing confidence among the team.
“Confidence in making plays. Some of our young guys have taken big steps. [Holloway] and [Zack] Bolduc have been playing lights out the last six, seven games, and they’ve been leading the way for scoring depth and our whole lineup is just clicking right now.”
While Thomas did not straight out credit Montgomery for the increased confidence, it is clear his presence has played a big part. Like the rest of the Blues roster, Thomas’s play has only gotten better under Montgomery.
What This Means Moving Forward
Thomas is not the only core member of the Blues team. Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jake Neighbours round out the Blues core of forwards. However, Thomas may be the most important player on the team.
It is not a coincidence that the Blues have found their winning ways since Thomas found his scoring touch again. Yes, much credit should be given to Montgomery. However, Thomas is the glue that holds the team together.
Last season, when Thomas found his next level and was a point-per-game player, the Blues found themselves in the playoff hunt after a disappointing 2022-23 season. Coincidence? No.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to compare Thomas’s production to the Blues results in the win/loss column. While other factors have to click as well for the team to be successful, Thomas’s role cannot be overstated.
18 is the New 91
For many seasons, Vladimir Tarasenko was the most valuable player on the Blues. While other plays had roles to play, Tarasenko was the key to the Blues success.
It is a new era in Blues hockey. Tarasenko is no longer wearing the Blue Note. The role of most valuable Blue is now bestowed upon Thomas. Furthermore, it not surprise anyone to one day see Thomas be the captain of the Blues.
The last few weeks are just the latest examples of what Thomas means to the Blues. If Thomas continues to produce, one can bet the Blues will keep winning.
Main Photo: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
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