Standouts From the Springfield Thunderbirds’ Playoff Run: Ott, Romanov, and Dube

The St. Louis Blues‘ season ended on April 16. However, for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, their season was nowhere close to ending. The Thunderbirds qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs and went on an impressive run, winning two series in upsets (including one over the top-seeded Providence Bruins) before falling in the Atlantic Division Final. While their ending was a tough one, losing 8-1 in a winner-take-all Game 5, the Thunderbirds impressed many around the league.

To celebrate the Thunderbirds’ impressive playoff run, let’s take a look at some of the standouts from it.

Standout #3 – Dillon Dube

Dillon Dube‘s scoring ability has never been in question. The 27-year-old forward scored 18 goals in back-to-back seasons with the Calgary Flames, but his career and life took a turn when he was criminally charged in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. After being acquitted, Dube signed a professional tryout contract with the Thunderbirds on Dec. 10.

Back in professional hockey, Dube reminded the league what his abilities are with the puck. He led the Thunderbirds in goals (five) and points (eight). His signature playoff moment was his overtime-winning goal in Game 4 vs. the Bruins, ending the series and completing the remarkable upset.

Dube’s performance will likely earn him a contract with a team next season. Whether or not that will be the Blues is unclear. The organization has a plethora of forwards in its system and on its NHL roster. Dube may even choose to go elsewhere where the likelihood of joining an NHL roster is stronger.

Standout #2 – Georgi Romanov

Georgi Romanov was the anchor of the Thunderbirds’ playoff run. He posted a 7-4-0 record, a 1.84 goals-against average (GAA), and a .939 save percentage (SV%). His best performance came against the Bruins, where he held the top-seeded team to just six goals in four games, including a shutout in the series-clinching win.

Like Dube, Romanov does have NHL experience. Granted, it is just 10 games with the San Jose Sharks. However, his playoff performance may entice the Blues to re-sign him. One of the bigger questions for the Blues this summer is whether or not they trade Jordan Binnington. If they do, they will need someone to back up Joel Hofer. The upcoming free agency class of goaltenders is not the most appealing, so could the Blues look from within? Could Romanov be someone they look at to earn the backup role?

Standout #1 – Steve Ott

The Thunderbirds were a struggling team before Steve Ott took over as the head coach. Behind his leadership, the Thunderbirds did not just make the playoffs; they made some noise. They began playing two-way hockey, allowing them to be a stronger defensive team, even against elite AHL competition.

For Ott, could this playoff run be the evidence that finally earns him an NHL head coaching job? He certainly deserves the chance. There are teams that could be a fit for Ott. The Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks are looking for a new head coach. Perhaps now is when Ott gets his chance.

For the Blues, losing Ott would be tough. However, with Alexander Steen taking the reins as general manager this summer, now is the time to start changing things up. There are some standout options to replace Ott, including a familiar face looking for another job himself: 2019 Stanley Cup champion Craig Berube.

Future Is Bright in St. Louis

Between a late push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a remarkable AHL Playoff run, a talented prospect pool, and three first-round picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, the future is certainly bright for the Blues. The organization may still be retooling, but there are plenty of reasons to be excited. Better days may be closer to us than we realize.