National Hockey League St Louis Blues
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league in North America, consisting of 31 teams: 24 from the United States and seven from Canada. One of these teams is the St Louis Blues, based in St Louis, Missouri.
The Team's History
The St Louis Blues were founded in 1967 as an expansion team during the NHL's original expansion from six to twelve teams. The team was named after the famous W.C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues," which had been recorded by many famous musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith.
The team's early years were marked by inconsistency and frustration, as they struggled to establish themselves as a competitive team in the league. However, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Blues emerged as one of the top teams in the NHL, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in three consecutive seasons (1968, 1969, and 1970) but lost all three. Despite their early success, the Blues ultimately failed to win the Stanley Cup and remain one of the few original teams yet to win a Cup.
The Blues' Rivals
Like all NHL teams, the St Louis Blues have a number of fierce rivals. One of their biggest rivals is the Chicago Blackhawks, a fellow Central Division team. The two teams have a long-standing and heated rivalry, dating back to the 1970s. Another rival is the Nashville Predators, whom the Blues have met in the playoffs on multiple occasions. The Blues also have a rivalry with the Dallas Stars, which has intensified in recent years as both teams have become more competitive in the Central Division.
The Blues' Recent Success
The St Louis Blues have had a mixed record of success in recent years. In the 2018-2019 season, the Blues finished third in the Central Division and qualified for the playoffs. The team went on an unlikely run to win the Stanley Cup, beating the Boston Bruins in seven games in the final. The Blues' success was largely due to their strong defensive play and the outstanding performance of their rookie goaltender, Jordan Binnington.
The Blues' victory in the Stanley Cup Finals was their first in team history and gave the city of St Louis its first major professional sports championship in over 50 years. The team's success was celebrated with a parade and rally in downtown St Louis, attended by thousands of fans.
Conclusion
For over 50 years, the St Louis Blues have been an important part of the National Hockey League, representing the city of St Louis and its fans with pride and passion. Although the team has experienced its share of ups and downs, it remains one of the most beloved and iconic franchises in the league. With their recent Stanley Cup victory, the Blues have cemented their place in NHL history and have given their fans reason to hope for even more success in the future.
