Rob Thomas’s return to the St. Louis Blues lineup has changed their odds significantly before their vital matchup against the Minnesota Wild. The team’s center, who tops the points chart this season, sat out three games because of an upper-body injury. The Blues’ winning percentage jumps 23% whenever Thomas plays in the active roster.
The Blues will step into this decisive game with a renewed spirit. Their opponents, the Wild, have shown defensive weaknesses lately. Minnesota’s defensive statistics paint a worrying picture – they allowed 3.8 goals on average in their previous ten games. Thomas’s proven track record of finding gaps in opponent defenses makes St. Louis Blues’ odds look more favorable tonight.
Thomas’ Impact By The Numbers
Robert Thomas substantially affects the St. Louis Blues’ odds this season. His performance shines through the stats. He racked up six points with one goal and five assists in seven games before an ankle injury sidelined him on October 22. This builds on his career-high 86-point showing last season.
Thomas excels particularly in the faceoff circle. He stands second in the NHL with a 62.6% success rate among centers who played over 100 minutes. His stellar numbers tell the story:
| Category | Thomas’s Performance |
|---|---|
| Faceoff Win % | 62.4% |
| Points per Game | 0.86 |
| Time on Ice/Game | 20:52 |
| Power Play Points | 2 |
Thomas has grown into a complete two-way player who takes on the opposition’s best lines regularly. The Blues’ possession stats improve with his presence. The team struggled with a mere 32% faceoff success rate when he was out.
The 25-year-old center’s career shows remarkable growth. He led the Blues with 57 assists in 2021-22, the highest by any Blues player since 2002-03. The team locked him in with an eight-year, $65 million contract extension. He continues to deliver offensively while his defensive game keeps getting better.
Strategic Lineup Changes
Drew Banister made most important lineup changes to get the best out of Robert Thomas’s return against the Minnesota Wild. The coaching staff arranged a detailed restructuring of the offensive lines. Thomas now centers the top unit among Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou.
The team adjusted their power play setup, and Thomas took the point position on the first unit. Associate coach Steve Ott’s changes have started showing results, especially when Jake Neighbors scored a power-play goal from a perfect passing sequence between Thomas and Buchnevich.
The Blues’ offensive setup now features:
- First line: Buchnevich – Thomas – Kyrou
- Power play point: Thomas arranging plays
- Face-off assignments that prioritize Thomas’s 60% win rate
Thomas’s new position at the power play point shows Banister’s smart move to boost the St. Louis Blues’ chances in special teams situations. “I think you’re going to see a lot more movement at the top,” Banister explained, highlighting the need for unpredictability in their power play strategy.
The coaching staff wants to make the most of Thomas’s playmaking skills while keeping their defense solid. This becomes a vital factor as the Blues chase a playoff spot in their highly competitive division.
Playoff Race Implications
The St. Louis Blues playoff chances hang in the balance. They sit five points away from a playoff spot with just four games left before Thanksgiving. Their situation looks even more dire after posting a 4-7-1 record while Thomas was out, which stands in sharp contrast to how they started the season.
Here’s how the playoff race looks:
| Team | Points | Games Played | Points % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild | 27 | 18 | .750 |
| Golden Knights | 24 | 18 | .667 |
| Blues | 17 | 20 | .425 |
The next three games could make or break the Blues’ playoff hopes as they face:
- Minnesota Wild (current opponent)
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Calgary Flames
The Minnesota Wild statistics show they’re unstoppable on the road. They lead the NHL with eight away wins, which spells trouble for the STL Blues. Thomas’s return might help turn things around. Last season, the Blues didn’t fall five points behind in the playoff race until January 13. This early deficit raises red flags about their Stanley Cup odds.
Conclusion
Robert Thomas’s comeback to the St. Louis Blues could reshape their season’s direction. He brings elite faceoff skills and creates scoring chances that make him a difference-maker against the Minnesota Wild. Coach Banister has adjusted the lineup and revamped the power play unit to leverage Thomas’s playmaking skills.
The Blues must win their upcoming games to keep their playoff hopes alive. They currently sit five points out of a playoff spot. Thomas could help turn things around with his impressive 62.6% faceoff success rate and reliable point production. These numbers suggest better days ahead for St. Louis’s postseason outlook.
The Minnesota game means everything right now. This matchup could determine whether the Blues stay in playoff contention. Thomas’s presence adds a tactical edge and brings fresh energy to the team during this vital part of the season.
