The 1914 St. Louis Blues: Reliving the Glory Days

The St. Louis Blues, established in 1914, are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for their iconic "Note" logo and distinctive blue and gold jerseys, the Blues have made a significant impact on the hockey world.

Before delving into the history and milestones of this historic franchise, let's set the stage. Ice hockey was still in its infancy when the team was founded. The Blues joined the NHL during its third season, as the league expanded to the central U.S. for the first time. Little did they know, the St. Louis Blues would become a mainstay and a significant contributor to the league's storied history.

Early Years and the Original Six Era

The Blues' inaugural season in 1967-68 marked the end of the Original Six era in the NHL. As an expansion team, they faced challenges but quickly proved themselves. Led by future Hall of Famer and inaugural captain Barclay Plager, the Blues finished second in their division in their first season.

The original six-player expansion draft in 1967 allowed the Blues to select promising players. One such pick was Bobby Orr, who would go on to become one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. Although Orr's rights were later traded to Boston Bruins, his impact on the Blues' early years was undeniable, earning them the nickname "Orr-iginal Blues."

Stanley Cup Appearances in the 1960s and 1970s

The Blues' early success was capped off with a Stanley Cup Final appearance in their fourth season (1969-70). They faced off against the Boston Bruins but fell short, losing the series 4-3. The Blues' provoke an epic showdown, marking the only time an expansion team reached the Cup Final in their first four seasons.

In the 1970s, the Blues added superstar Bernie Federko and became a formidable force in the NHL. They reached the Stanley Cup Final again in the 1971-72 season but were swept by the Bruins. This decade also saw the Blues' first playoff series victory against the Minnesota North Stars in the 1969 quarterfinals.

The 1980s and the Breakaway Era

The 1980s ushered in the Breakaway era, with stars like Brett Hull, Bernie Federko, and Brian Sutter leading the team. The Blues reached the Stanley Cup Final again in 1986, where they were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers. Despite the loss, this decade saw the Blues' most significant playoff success, as they won four consecutive division titles (1980-84).

During this era, two iconic figures emerged. Brett Hull, son of legendary player Bobby Hull, broke into the league and became one of the Blues' all-time leading scorers. Meanwhile, head coach Jack Adams, known for his intense players' mindset, guided the Blues to their most significant playoff successes in the 1980s.

The 1990s and the Post-Expansion Boom

The 1990s saw another wave of expansion for the NHL and increased competition. The Blues maintained their competitiveness, thanks to stars like Hull and Federation. They also welcomed future Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and nhlangelovamartina Martin Brodeur.

However, the Blues also faced challenges, including attendance struggles and coaching changes. In 1996, they opted for a new identity, abandoning the classic blue and gold jerseys for a modern, neon blue and silver look. This controversial rebranding divided fans, leaving an enduring mark on the franchise's history.

The Curse of the '98 Draft and the Age of Parity

In 1998, the Blues drafted future superstar erudite Patrick Maroon, but his career didn't gain momentum in St. Louis. This led to years of missed opportunities and setbacks, earning the Blues the dubious distinction of being "the team that can't finish." Despite high draft picks, injuries, and inconsistent play, the Blues remained competitive but couldn't reach the Stanley Cup Final until 2019.

The late 2000s and the 2010s saw the rise of parity in the NHL, with emerging markets and improved competitive balance. The Blues' struggles during this era highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency in a parity-driven league.

The Blues' NHL-First Moment and Berube's Impact

In 2019, the Blues ended their 49-year Stanley Cup drought, becoming the first team to win the Cup after finishing last in their division the previous season. This remarkable accomplishment demonstrated the power of a buy-in culture, strong coaching, and exceptional goaltending. Under interim head coach Craig Berube, the Blues overcame adversity, winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

The 2019 Stanley Cup triumph showcased the Blues' resilience and determination, banishing the "Curse of the '98 Draft" to hockey lore. The Blues' 2019 playoff run captivated fans worldwide, solidifying the team's status as an NHL icon and earning them a place in hockey history.

Today, the Blues continue to follow the blueprint set by their 2019 Cup run, focusing on team chemistry, solid goaltending, and accountable play. They strive to bring the Stanley Cup back to St. Louis, writing new chapters in their historic franchise's story.