The St. Louis Blues have shown grit and tenacity in this first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets. But it hasn’t been enough, as they are down by two games in the best-of-seven series. 

This tactic of trying to beat the opponent to a pulp is not working. 

Winning the physical battle 

Over 120 minutes of playtime, the Blues are winning the hits battle, but losing in just about everything else. They have kept it close with the Presidents’ Trophy winners, but back-to-back third period collapses was the difference-maker. 

The Blues have an astounding lead in hits, 80-61. Both teams have laid the body in this series, but the Blues have been the more physical team. 

Losing in the skill battle 

Despite winning with the body, the Blues seriously lose the skill battle. Jets top forwards Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele have been electric in this series so far, and they are putting a number on Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. 

Even though these first two games have been close in terms of score and shots, the difference is in puck possession and difference-making plays. The Blues have a somber Corsi% of 46.05%, which is not ideal. They are not able to control the game and are constantly in pursuit of the puck, i.e., the vast difference in physicality. 

For the Blues to get back in this series, especially with having their secret weapon of being at home, they have to try to somehow match the Jets skill-game. That will be on Jordan Kyrou, Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich to try and keep up. 

That is going to be a tall order, but a manageable one.