The 2019 St. Louis Blues completed the NHL’s greatest worst-to-first story, going from last place in January to Stanley Cup champions six months later.
The Turnaround
On January 3, 2019, the Blues were dead last in the NHL. Rookie goalie Jordan Binnington took over, going 24-5-1. The team adopted Laura Branigan’s “Gloria” as their victory song after a bar visit, and the anthem carried them to glory.
Stanley Cup Final
The Blues defeated Boston Bruins 4-3, winning Game 7 in Boston (4-1). Ryan O’Reilly won Conn Smythe Trophy. The championship was the franchise’s first in 52 years (founded 1967).
Captain Alex Pietrangelo and veterans like Vladimir Tarasenko delivered clutch performances. The Blues’ physical, grinding style wore down opponents.
Sources: NHL.com - Blues 2019