No, I thought they would be a wildcard team playing hot with a chance to upset a division winner. I still think they could, but it will be in the 2nd round. Nashville is looking increasingly vulnerable, both on the ice and in the standings. I'm not sure it matters a lot about getting home ice, but I would prefer not to have to listen to those stupid abusive chants, so I hope the Blues pass them, just for one less game of that crap. Something very unusual would have to happen at this point for the Blues not to end up playing Nashville in the first round. (But now as unusual as what has already happened.)
I've taken a lot of crap about being optimistic. But I felt the team was turning things around. (Who knew the rest of the West would struggle so much?) The game in Dallas, where I got to see the players in warm ups in person was the first time I felt really confident they'd make the playoffs. They just were so loose and CONFIDENT. It was strange to see, but it was clear to me that the PLAYERS believed they were going to get in the playoffs before the fans felt that way. And if you listen closely, the players are talking about making it to the SCF. I'm not saying its probable, its never probable even for the top contenders. But I'm saying that the Blues think they can do it with this team. A team with that kind of belief is a tough out in the first round.
The rest of the season will be a joy to watch, regardless of how it all shakes out. The Blues are playing entertaining hockey again, and there is a tight playoff race to enjoy.
I'm not sure why we have attracted trolls like that Pizza Pizza guy trying to make a case for trading Tarasenko NOW, and bemoaning how the Blues aren't a favorite for the Cup. But that's just not how the playoffs work. You don't wait to take your best shot when you have everything perfect. You just get a ticket and get in, and fight like hell. Teams will have injuries. Goalies will get into funks or go on streaks. No name players will score multiple goals (Smith Pelley was a SCF hero, and now he's on waivers.) The Blues at this point have as good a case for making the SCF as almost every other team in the West. They'll have to get past Winnipeg to do it, and Nashville before that. Those battles will be a blast to watch. I would not put money down against the Blues.