These posts are never easy even though I’ve had plenty of practice writing them over the years.
It’s time to say goodbye to the 2015-16 St. Louis Blues. This year is even more difficult because the Blues came within two wins of a trip to play for the Stanley Cup. That notion alone is difficult to grasp as a Blues fan, but the way the team imploded in the third round against arguably their weakest opponent is dumbfounding. The city of St. Louis finally gravitated towards the Blues and the team was a total letdown. Sometimes you’re beaten soundly by an opponent and you have to tip your cap and move ahead. Other times you beat yourself and pass up a glorious opportunity. The latter is true of the Blues and it’ll take a long time for that pain to go away.
More articles and more time will be dedicated to the series, the playoffs and the season as a whole after enough of the disappointment has passed. For now, here’s a handful of thoughts.
The San Jose Sharks played a hell of a series. Defensively, they were masterful in pushing the Blues out of their comfort zone and out of threatening positions. Offensively, their stars scored when it mattered – early and often.
That being said, the Blues did a hell of a job losing this series too. The team that found success many times during the regular season and playoffs failed to put in an effort worthy of a trip to compete for the Cup. When the spotlight was at its brightest and the Cup was the closest it has been in ages, the Blues shriveled. Blame will be assigned (often in the wrong places), but ultimately the Blues of 2015-16 are a different kind of disappointing. This team was good enough to hoist the first-ever Cup in St. Louis and yet they displayed the same characteristics which sank the Blues of old. The most tortured franchise in hockey has done it again.
Play to win. Don’t play to not lose.
The Sharks played to win. The Blues played to not lose and now they’re headed home.
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