As we approach the later part of the season, what matters most is that the St. Louis Blues keep find ways to win games.
The late Al Davis once said, “Just win baby.” It’s amazing how the final outcome can change the whole perspective of a game. From the coaches, to the players, to the fans, it can change everything. Right now winning is what matters most.
The test of a true champion is finding ways to win when things aren’t going their way. When the chips are down and the odds are stacked against them, winners find ways to win. It’s as simple as that. No, it may not always be pretty. And no they might not always deserve to win but winning or losing is not determined by the stat sheet. At the end of a night the team with the most goals wins, no matter what.
This has been a trying year for St. Louis Blues Nation. Not only the organization but the fans too. It has been maddening how inconsistent this team’s play has been. One game they look completely unstoppable and the next they look like they would rather be doing anything else but playing hockey. During their post-game interview the coaches and players alike can tell you everything that had been done wrong but seem to somehow have failed to fix it during the game.
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Injuries have been a big reason for the lack of consistency. The St. Louis Blues have played 58 games and are yet to have a completely healthy lineup. It seems like we have seen every line combination possible. On top of everything else they have had one of the busiest first halves of hockey in the NHL as well. But despite it all, they have continued to find ways to win.
Right now the St. Louis Blues sit firmly in third place in the Central division and third in the Western conference. If they had not given some games away would they be in first place right now? Probably. If they hadn’t gotten some lucky bounces would they be out of a playoff spot? Maybe. But we can play the shoulda, coulda, woulda game all day. The fact is for the fifth time in five years, knock on wood, this team is heading for the playoffs. And, as far as I’m concerned, that is all that matters. It is impossible to win a cup if you don’t make into the tournament.
Although it would’ve been great to have this team play perfect hockey all year long, the St. Louis Blues have proven they don’t have to be perfect to win games. When the offense fails to produce, then the defense steps up. When the other team is seemingly having their way with the defense, then the offense finds away to keep pace. When everyone else sucks, our goalie shines.
That last one has been especially true these last couple of months. In fact, it is safe to say, if it had not been for the stellar play of Brian Elliott then things probably would have been much different. But as Ells would be the first to tell you, that is his job. It is the job of the goaltender to be the last line of defense and to keep the ship afloat when no one else can. Winners find ways to win.
I think the last game against Tampa Bay is a good example. This game wasn’t pretty and if you look at the stat sheet it’s hard to believe the St. Louis Blues ended up winning. I don’t think anyone can disagree that we caught a lucky break. But, a win is a win. Despite being outshot, the St. Louis Blues were able to keep up the intensity which led to the breakaway goal by Robby Fabbri. If Patrik Berglund doesn’t take that shot and go after the rebound then that goal never happens. As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take”.
Next: St. Louis Blues Finish Impressive Weekend
As the St. Louis Blues move forward, it would bode well for them to continue to improve. They need to tighten up the defense, get creative on offense and become more effective on the power play. Most importantly, they need to keep finding ways to win. Instead of #reckless lets try #relentless.
I’m sure there will be plenty of people that disagree with me and that’s great. If you have a good argument against or for, let us hear about it @BleedinBlueFS. That’s what twitter is for.