They’ve done it. After a pitiful start to the season, the St. Louis Blues rebounded in February with a franchise record 11-game win streak, putting them them in third place in the NHL Western Conference standings. High expectations for the team during the offseason are finally being fulfilled, and they doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. Here are some key points that have led the team to a successful 2019.
Blues acquire Ryan O’Reilly from Buffalo Sabres July 1, 2018
After missing the playoffs in 2018, the Blues looked to make a big splash during the offseason to show their fans they are still contenders for the Stanley Cup. They did just that by acquiring star center Ryan O’Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Vladimir Sobotka, Patrik Berglund, Tage Thompson and two draft picks. O’Reilly hit the ground running when he arrived in St. Louis, earning his second all-star selection as the only Blues player to be represented in the game in 2019. He currently leads the team in points (65), assists (40) and plus/minus, a statistic used to measure a player’s impact on the game (22). With a lengthy contract that runs through the 2022-2023 season, O’Reilly looks to be a core piece of the Blues franchise for many years to come.
Blues sign goalie Jordan Binnington July 6, 2018
After backup goalie Carter Hutton signed a three-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2018, the Blues needed someone to fill the hole. Five days later, they turned to former 88th overall draft pick Jordan Binnington with a one year, two way contract. While he had only played one game in the NHL before this season, Binnington has been an unbreakable barrier for the Blues. Over his first 13 starts, Binnington posted an excellent record of 11-1-1, and currently sits at a .929 save percentage. With some frustration from fans early on due to Jake Allen’s lackluster goaltending, Binnington’s arrival has fired up fans, who have donned him the nickname “Winnington.” If he continues his streak, Binnington will be a key piece of a potential postseason run.
Blues fire head coach Mike Yeo Nov. 19, 2018
Head coach Mike Yeo was not working for the Blues. After a subpar 7-9-3 record that placed them in last place after 18 games, fans demanded a fresh leader for their highly-talented team. Ownership listened, firing Yeo on Nov. 19, 2018 and replacing him with interim head coach Craig Berube. Yeo’s firing led to an incredible turnaround, comparable to when the Cardinals fired Mike Matheny in summer 2018. While it remains to be seen what Berube’s role will look like in the future, it is certain that his team has experienced immense success under his leadership. As rumors of a potential reunion with former head coach Joel Quenneville swirl, pending postseason success will decide who will take the reigns in the future.
Credits:
art by Catherine McCandless