Robert Thomas' hat trick lifts Blues over Avalanche

St. Louis keeps playoff hopes alive with late-game heroics

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:06am

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Robert Thomas scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal late in the third period, to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night in Denver. The win keeps the Blues' playoff hopes alive as they chase the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Blues' victory over the league-leading Avalanche was a crucial result in their push to reach the postseason. With just a few games left in the regular season, every point is crucial for St. Louis as they try to catch the Nashville Predators for the final wild-card berth.

The details

Thomas completed his first career hat trick by netting the game-winning goal with 2:50 remaining in regulation. The Blues got an odd-man rush, with Dylan Holloway feeding Thomas on the far side of the crease for the tap-in. St. Louis goaltender Joel Hofer made 26 saves to preserve the victory. Brent Burns and Parker Kelly scored for the Avalanche, who remain highly likely to clinch the Presidents' Trophy despite the loss.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Thomas scored the game-winning goal with 2:50 left in the third period.

The players

Robert Thomas

A 24-year-old center for the St. Louis Blues who recorded his first career hat trick in the win over the Avalanche.

Joel Hofer

The 23-year-old goaltender for the St. Louis Blues who made 26 saves to earn the victory.

Brent Burns

The 41-year-old defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who scored a goal in the losing effort.

Parker Kelly

The 24-year-old forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored his 20th goal of the season in the game.

Mackenzie Blackwood

The 29-year-old goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche who made 25 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a huge game for our playoff hopes, and Robert really stepped up and delivered for us tonight.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues

What’s next

The Blues will host the Avalanche on Tuesday night in a rematch that could determine the top seed in the Western Conference. Colorado can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win or a Dallas regulation loss to Calgary.

The takeaway

Thomas' heroics kept the Blues' playoff dreams alive, showing they can compete with the league's elite teams. However, St. Louis still has work to do to secure a postseason berth, with a crucial rematch against Colorado looming.