2019 Western Conference Finals vs Vancouver Canucks

Lore & Background

The Blues were founded in 1967 as one of the six teams from the 1967 NHL expansion. They won the Stanley Cup in 2019, becoming the final active team from that expansion to win their first Cup. The franchise had previously appeared in the Stanley Cup Final in 1968, 1969, and 1970, losing each time.

Reader's Guide

The Blues play at the Enterprise Center in downtown St. Louis, which has been their home since 1994. Their minor league affiliates are the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) and the Florida Everblades (ECHL).

Franchise Origins and Expansion

The St. Louis Blues emerged as a cornerstone of the National Hockey League's historic 1967 expansion, becoming one of six new franchises designed to double the league's size. Uniquely, their entry was driven not by a formal bid from local investors alone, but by the strategic maneuvering of Chicago Blackhawks owners James D. Norris and Arthur Wirtz. Seeking to divest themselves of the aging St. Louis Arena while establishing a regional rivalry similar to baseball's Cardinals and Cubs, they lobbied aggressively for the franchise despite the city lacking an official application.

The NHL ultimately approved the move based on the arena's adequate capacity and strategic geographical location. Ownership was secured by insurance magnates Sid Salomon Jr., his son Sid Salomon III, and Robert L. Wolfson. This group invested millions to renovate the 38-year-old facility, expanding seating from 12,000 to 15,000 to meet modern standards. The team's name was inspired by W.C. Handy's famous song, cementing a cultural identity that would endure for decades before they finally reached their first championship.

Early Playoff Struggles and Historic Triumph

Despite an impressive start under legendary coach Scotty Bowman, the Blues endured a painful period of near-misses that defined their early history. After qualifying for the playoffs in their inaugural season, the team advanced to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals between 1968 and 1970. However, they were swept by the Montreal Canadiens twice and then by the Boston Bruins, establishing a narrative of frequent contention coupled with postseason heartbreak.

For nearly five decades following these early defeats, the franchise remained a perennial contender that struggled to secure the ultimate prize, holding the record for most playoff appearances among non-Original Six teams without a title. This long drought finally ended in 2019 when the Blues captured their first Stanley Cup. This victory marked a historic milestone as they became the last active team from the 1967 expansion era to win the championship, achieving this feat 49 years after their final previous appearance and in their 52nd year of existence.

Venues and Market Evolution

The physical home of the Blues has evolved significantly alongside the franchise's growth. Initially playing at the St. Louis Arena, a venue not originally designed for hockey but retrofitted with an ice plant to host minor league play as early as 1929, the team operated in a facility that had previously hosted the ill-fated St. Louis Eagles of the 1930s. For decades, this arena served as a secondary market hub for Chicago interests before becoming the Blues' primary home following extensive renovations by the Salomon family.

In 1994, the franchise relocated to the modern Enterprise Center in downtown St. Louis, which boasts a capacity of 18,096 seats and has served as their dedicated home ice ever since. This move from a converted multi-purpose hall to a state-of-the-art arena reflected the team's maturation into a major market staple, providing a consistent backdrop for their journey from expansion underdogs to eventual champions.

Regional Rivalries and Organizational Structure

The Blues have cultivated deep-seated competitive relationships that extend beyond simple league standings. Their most prominent rivalry is with the Chicago Blackhawks, a connection forged when both teams shared a division starting in 1970. This dynamic was ironically seeded by the original ownership of the St. Louis Arena, which belonged to the Blackhawks' owners before they pushed for the Blues' creation to establish a reliable regional foe. Beyond the NHL level, the organization maintains a structured development system through its minor league affiliates.

The Springfield Thunderbirds serve as their primary American Hockey League partner, while the Florida Everblades of the ECHL provide further depth for player development. These affiliations ensure a steady pipeline of talent supporting the main roster, reinforcing the franchise's commitment to long-term competitiveness within the Central Division and the broader Western Conference.