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Top Handicapper 
Blues Emphasize Strong Finishes Entering Matchup With Panthers
The St. Louis Blues (26-23-2, 54 points) are eager to bounce back after a frustrating 3-2 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Now, they’ll have to hold off another top offensive team as they host the Florida Panthers (33-15-4, 70 points) on Thursday.
Blues Struggle to Close Out Games
St. Louis took a 2-1 lead into the final three minutes against Edmonton, only to surrender a 6-on-5 goal to Leon Draisaitl before losing in overtime.
Coach Jim Montgomery on the Blues’ struggles:
“We’ve got to be able to close out games. We had some chances to make it 3-1 and didn’t capitalize, unfortunately. You give great players time and space, and they’ll make you pay.”
This marks the second time in three games the Blues have let a third-period lead slip away, something they’ll need to fix against the high-flying Panthers.
Blues’ Key Concerns:
✔ Scoring in clutch moments – St. Louis had chances to extend the lead vs. Edmonton but failed to capitalize.
✔ Defensive lapses late – The Blues’ inability to hold leads has been costly.
✔ Injury recovery – The return of Nick Leddy, who missed 49 games, could help stabilize the defense.
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Panthers Offense Ready to Strike
The Panthers boast one of the NHL’s most dangerous offenses (3.27 goals per game), led by:
🔥 Matthew Tkachuk (4 goals, 3 assists in last 4 games)
🔥 Aleksander Barkov (2 goals, 7 assists in last 6 games)
Barkov, known for his elite two-way game, continues to set the tone for Florida.
Coach Paul Maurice on Barkov’s dominance:
“A real powerful man, strong man. Never goes down, never quits on the play. He’s such an honest player. Hard to handle one-on-one.”
Florida is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals, a rare slip-up where they allowed four goals in the third period.
Game Preview & Key Matchups
🔥 Can St. Louis avoid another late-game collapse?
🔥 Will Florida’s offense exploit the Blues’ defensive lapses?
🔥 Will St. Louis’ veteran defense step up?
The Panthers won the first meeting 2-1 in overtime on Dec. 20, with Barkov scoring the game-winner. Can St. Louis respond on home ice, or will Florida continue its dominance?
This could be a crucial game for both teams, with playoff positioning on the line in their respective conferences.
