The Pittsburgh Penguins snapped a two-game skid with a gritty 5-3 win over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena — a game that felt more like a playoff battle than a mid-March matchup. Despite outshooting Pittsburgh 35 to 22, the Blues couldn’t solve Tristan Jarry when it mattered most, and a pair of third-period goals from Connor Dewar and Conor Timmins sealed their fate. The win lifted the Penguins to 62 points, while the Blues remained one point back of the final Western Conference wild card spot — a gap that’s growing by the day.
Blues Return With a Twist — But the Momentum Faded
The Blues came in riding a 7-1-2 streak, the kind of run that usually signals playoff readiness. But the emotional weight of Cam Fowler’s return was palpable. The defenseman had missed the previous game to be at the hospital when his second child, Beau Matthew Fowler, was born on March 8. He skated in his first game back with quiet determination, paired with Nick Leddy. But the Blues’ offense, usually so crisp, looked disjointed. Robert Thomas, who entered the night with 51 points and 34 assists, had two helpers — including one on Dylan Holloway’s first-period goal — but couldn’t carry the load alone. The line of Jake Neighbours-Robert Thomas-Pavel Buchnevich was electric at times, but the rest of the forward group faded under Pittsburgh’s physical pressure.Penguins’ Depth Steals the Show
While the Blues were waiting for their stars to deliver, the Penguins got contributions from everywhere. Rickard Rakell, the trade-deadline acquisition who’s quietly become Pittsburgh’s most reliable scorer, opened the scoring in the second period with his 30th goal of the season — assisted by Sidney Crosby, who now has 83 points on the year. But it was the unheralded players who made the difference. Connor Dewar, a 24-year-old forward with just one career goal before Thursday, netted his second of the season with 6:12 left in the third, burying a rebound off a Danton Heinen shot. His +2 rating and 12:40 ice time spoke volumes: this wasn’t a star-driven win. It was a team win.Faceoffs, Fatigue, and the Cost of Injuries
The numbers told a story the scoreboard didn’t fully capture. The Penguins won 58.9% of faceoffs — a staggering advantage that sapped the Blues’ energy and killed offensive momentum. Evgeni Malkin, despite being held to an assist, controlled the center ice battle, and his presence made life miserable for St. Louis’ young centers. Meanwhile, the Blues were missing two key defensemen: Colton Parayko (knee) and Torey Krug (LTIR). Their absence was felt in transition — and on the penalty kill, where St. Louis had no power play opportunities, while Pittsburgh’s physicality forced them into too many defensive zone battles.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
The Blues are now 31-28-7. They’ve played 66 games. With just 16 left, they’re clinging to hope. One point separates them from the final wild card spot. But they’re also just two points ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators — teams that have games in hand. Meanwhile, the Penguins, at 28-32-10, are 27th in the league — yet they’ve won three of their last four. They’re not in playoff contention, but they’re playing like a team with something to prove. And that’s dangerous for teams like St. Louis, who can’t afford slip-ups.What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch Ahead
The Blues head to Minnesota on Saturday to face the Wild — a team fighting for its own playoff life. A loss there could be fatal. The Penguins, meanwhile, host the New Jersey Devils — a matchup that could determine whether they finish the season on a high note. Head coach Jim Montgomery said after the game, “We had the shots. We had the chances. But we didn’t make the plays when the game was on the line.” That’s the difference between a team that’s trending up and one that’s just hanging on.
Three Stars of the Game
- Rickard Rakell (PIT) — 1 goal, 1 assist, +2, 20:21 TOI
- Connor Dewar (PIT) — 1 goal, +2, 12:40 TOI
- Blake Lizotte (PIT) — 0 goals, 2 assists, +2, 15:03 TOI
Player Notes
- Robert Thomas: 51 points (17G, 34A) this season; 8 points in 9 career games vs. Pittsburgh
- Evgeni Malkin: 43 points (13G, 30A); 23 career points in 23 games vs. St. Louis
- Sidney Crosby: 83 points this season; 11 assists in his last 8 games
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Blues lose despite having more shots?
Despite outshooting Pittsburgh 35-22, the Blues struggled with faceoffs (won only 41.1%) and failed to capitalize on quality chances. Pittsburgh’s defense clogged the middle, forcing St. Louis into low-percentage shots from the perimeter. The Penguins also had better net-front presence, with Dewar and Timmins scoring on rebounds — something the Blues couldn’t replicate.
How did Cam Fowler’s return impact the game?
Fowler played 20:07 minutes, logged two shots, and was a +1 in even-strength play. While he looked sharp in transition, the Blues’ defensive structure was shaky without Parayko and Krug. His return was emotionally significant, but the team’s defensive depth issues were too deep to overcome with one player’s performance.
What’s the significance of Connor Dewar’s performance?
Dewar’s first career multi-point game (1 goal, 1 assist) came on a night when Pittsburgh’s top lines were neutralized. His physical play and ability to finish in tight spaces gave the Penguins a much-needed spark. For a team out of playoff contention, his emergence is a sign of growing depth — and a potential building block for next season.
Are the Blues still in playoff contention?
Technically, yes — they’re one point behind the final Western Conference wild card spot. But with 16 games left and four teams within three points, the margin for error is gone. They need to win at least 10 of their remaining games, including tough road matchups in Minnesota and Colorado. A loss to the Wild on Saturday could be the death knell.
Why didn’t the Blues get any power play opportunities?
Pittsburgh’s disciplined penalty killing and the Blues’ lack of sustained pressure in the offensive zone meant St. Louis never forced a major infraction. The Penguins took only three minor penalties total, and none resulted in a power play because the Blues couldn’t maintain zone time. It’s a symptom of their broader offensive stagnation.
How does this game affect the Penguins’ rebuild?
For a team 27th in the league, wins like this are vital for morale and development. Dewar, Tomasino, and Heinen are all young players stepping up. This game showed that even without Crosby’s dominance, Pittsburgh can win with depth. It’s a blueprint for next season — and a sign that their rebuild isn’t just about drafting, but developing role players who can win.
- Oct, 28 2025
- Alistair Journeysmith
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