BenFred: NHL proposal might not guarantee Blues a top seed, but that might not

But consider what that would mean. This approach would leave the Blues sitting around waiting, or playing games that counted for nothing, while the teams beneath them used the play-in rounds to build up a full head of steam toward the postseason. No thanks. Rust is real. Especially after a layoff this long.

Fighting for their seed would give the Blues a chance to gear up in a competitive setting against the teams they have a good chance of meeting again when elimination, not seeding, is on the line.

The Blues are a combined 7-2-3 against the three teams they would be jostling with for the most desirable seeds: Colorado, Las Vegas and Dallas. They have thumped Dallas (4-0-1) this season, split with Colorado (2-2) and have matched Las Vegas in goals scored and allowed (13) in three games that included one regulation win and two overtime losses.

Personally, I like the idea of goalie Jordan Binnington getting a feel for each opponent he could meet later. Specifically Colorado. The Avalanche rocked Binnington in his last two starts at Colorado, both Blues losses. This format would guarantee Binnington one series against the Avalanche with playoff-like pressure on the line. That’s good, even if it affects the Blues’ seed.

One look at last season’s bracket reminds us how fast top seeds – Tampa and Nashville, anyone? – can disappear. No playoff road is easy, and sometimes the harder one becomes easier. Here’s an example.