They left us breathless, but the St. Louis Blues finally did it.
In an absolutely enthralling Game 7, Troy Brouwer’s ugly-beautiful 3-2 goal stood as the clincher against his former team in the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blues slayed one huge narrative dragon by dispatching the defending champions in a 4-3 series.
It’s one of those series we’ll likely deem a classic in retrospect.
(In an amusing twist, this is the Blues’ first Game 7 victory since - wait for it - Joel Quenneville was their coach.)
Brouwer says it was the ugliest goal of his career, adding if he didn't put it in, he would have quit hockey.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) April 26, 2016
It’s fitting that this thrilling, dramatic series ended despite an extremely close call.
The Blues will take on the Dallas Stars in the second round. With the San Jose Sharks awaiting either the Anaheim Ducks or Nashville Predators, it’s a changing of the guard in the Western Conference and NHL in general.
#Blackhawks' elimination means the #NHL will have a new #StanleyCup champion for 17 consecutive seasons Last to repeat: Red Wings in 1998.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) April 26, 2016
Ooopsy. Pittsburgh, Anaheim and Tampa Bay are the only teams left alive that have won a Cup in the last 16 years#Dallas
— Dobber (@DobberHockey) April 26, 2016
Blackhawks, Kings and Rangers combined for 28 series victories last four years. None this time.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) April 26, 2016
St. Louis stormed off to a 2-0 lead before Marian Hossa made it 2-1 to end the first period. Chicago tied it 2-2 in a back-and-forth middle frame before a tight, exciting third period that went the Blues’ way.
The narratives flip flop in many ways. Brian Elliott gets some credit as a hero, capping a strong series with 31 saves. Ken Hitchcock is vindicated ... although plenty of people are still questioning his decisions regarding Vladimir Tarasenko’s ice time.
For at least one round, the “choker” talk subsides. Some might bring it right back up if they struggle against the Stars after taking all four games in their season series.
Ken Hitchcock: "The naysayers can all take a day off. We can celebrate for a day, and then you all can start bashing us again."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 26, 2016
Who knows how many jobs were saved by this breakthrough?
The @StLouisBlues won their first #StanleyCup Playoffs series since the 2012 CQF vs. SJS (4-1 W). #STLvsCHI pic.twitter.com/8QQPWcPGWR
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 26, 2016
What we do know: it will be tough to top Blues - Blackhawks, but it will be fun to watch the remaining teams try.
Handshakes. #StanleyCup https://t.co/FfzX3Gbo2j
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 26, 2016
Well well well...
— Daryl Reaugh (@Razor5Hole) April 26, 2016
16 yrs later...
Ruff-Hitchcock round 2...#Stars-Blues#Round2