The numbers
The St. Louis Blues will take on the Anaheim Ducks on April 3, 2026, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The game is set to start at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Currently, the Blues hold a record of 31-31-12, while the Ducks are performing well with a record of 41-29-5, leading the Pacific Division.
The Blues are on a four-game road trip and have a season series record of 1-1-0 against the Ducks. Historically, the Blues have been dominant in their recent encounters, winning seven of the last eight meetings against Anaheim. This matchup is particularly crucial for St. Louis, as they are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, creating a sense of urgency for the team.
Jimmy Snuggerud has been a standout player for the Blues, recently named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for March after scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists during the month. His performance will be pivotal for the Blues as they seek to secure a victory against the Ducks. Head coach Jim Montgomery emphasized, “The only thing that the players can control in their own game,” highlighting the need for focus and execution.
On the other hand, the Ducks have not played a playoff game since the 2017-2018 season, making their current position in the standings significant. However, they will be without Cutter Gauthier, who has been ruled out for the game due to injury. Gauthier has had an impressive season, scoring 38 goals and accumulating 65 points. Joel Quenneville noted, “Cutter is moving better today. Tomorrow he’d be questionable at best,” indicating the uncertainty surrounding his availability.
As the game approaches, the Blues will look to capitalize on their recent form, which has seen them improve significantly in March. They averaged 2.64 goals per game, while the Ducks have been more prolific, averaging 3.25 goals per game. This offensive output will be critical as both teams vie for crucial points in the standings.
In terms of predictions, some analysts are leaning towards a Blues victory, with one stating, “Prediction: St. Louis wins 5-3.” This reflects the confidence in the Blues’ ability to perform under pressure, especially with their recent success against the Ducks.
As the matchup draws near, observers will be keen to see how both teams adapt to the stakes of the game. The outcome will not only affect playoff positioning but also set the tone for the remainder of the season for both franchises.
