Did that really just happen?
The Blues survived another ugly second period and a post-to-post shot to kick the Blackhawks out of the playoffs in Game 7. That sentence feels strange to write as too often the Blues are on the losing side of the handshake line, especially when the spotlight is at its brightest.
Troy Brouwer, one of the major changes the Blues made over the summer, appeared to have missed on a glorious opportunity. For a split second it looked like yet another instance where the Blues should have capitalized only to come up empty. His deflection hit the post, then he whiffed and fell down only to finish the goal a moment later.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/724793558310473728
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/724793357436866560
It’s as if the demons of old surfaced twice, but were vanquished as Brouwer found the back of the net on the third attempt.
Finally.
Finally the Blues advance to the second round.
Finally they boot a high quality team out of the playoffs (no offense 2011-12 San Jose Sharks).
Finally they stand toe-to-toe with their rival and come out on top.
Finally they bounce back and win a huge playoff game after nearly giving up the series.
Finally, finally, finally.
Sure, this was just a first round series. But for so many fans – and probably players – it’s more than that. It’s a flip of the script. It’s a narrative which doesn’t fit the “same old Blues” mantra. It’s a resurgence of life for hockey fans in St. Louis who were all too eager – including yours truly – to start preparing the Blues eulogy and watch the rest of the playoffs unfold from the outside looking in.
It was a close call:
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/724797799871688705
But it’s finally time to spend at least a night or two celebrating in a big way.
Oh and Chicago:
Hey Blackhawks: pic.twitter.com/xDe6xDffBE
— Frozen Notes (@FrozenNotes) April 26, 2016
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