Somehow we are four years removed from the unique 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. On this day in 2020, the St. Louis Blues were in the Edmonton bubble to defend their Stanley Cup Championship. Today, we are reflecting on that unique post-season and short title defence that awaited the Blues.
Revisiting the 2020 COVID Bubble and How We Got There
When the COVID-19 pandemic paused the 2019-20 regular season on March 12, 2020, the Blues were first in the Western Conference standings. Despite an injury to star Vladimir Tarasenko, the Blues were in great shape to defend their title. Moreover, the pause continued into the summer months, but the feeling the Blues were still in great shape remained. After all, they had overcome a lot already. In addition to the Tarasenko injury, the Blues had overcome the loss of defenceman Jay Bouwmeester, whose career ended after a cardiac event during a game. The 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs was going to be unique, but the Blues seemed ready to repeat in an unique postseason.
The Round-Robin Tournament
Despite being first in the conference when the season paused, the Blues had to play a round-robin tournament with the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights to determine the top-four seeding. Playing in the round-robin tournament had pros and cons. As a pro, the Blues would play three games without fear of being eliminated from the playoffs. As a con, there was the concern of injury in games that did not factor towards advancement or elimination.
The Blues made it through the round-robin without injury. However, the Blues went 0-2-1 in the tournament. Furthermore, goaltender Jordan Binnington had his low moments, allowing seven total goals in his two starts. Vladimir Tarasenko, who was returning from injury, was still showing signs that he was not 100%. The team also turned the puck over many times. There was hardly any forechecking. Furthermore, the power play only scored once in three games.
However, there did not seem to be a need to press the panic button. The games did not count towards anything besides seeding. The Blues had three games to identify problems and make adjustments for when the games truly started to count. The team had overcome adversity and challenges for over a year up to this point. Clearly, the round-robin would not be a sign of things to come. The defending champions would be just fine.
“Do I Look Nervous?” Yes, You Do
The Blues faced the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. The Blues lost the first two games. The games were close, but the Canucks came through with the big goals when it mattered. Bo Horvat was having himself a strong start to the series. The Canuck forward scored four goals in the first two games. Furthermore, one of those goals was an overtime-winning goal in Game 2.
The Blues found themselves down 2-0 without even having a lead in any of the games. Their title defence was in danger. Adding injury to insult, Vladimir Tarasenko would be removed from the lineup due to his shoulder still ailing him. In addition, the Blues biggest problem was the same person who had been their biggest asset just a season ago. Jordan Binnington had given up nine goals in the first two games. Some of those goals were soft ones he let in. The worst was the eventual game-winning goal in Game 1, where Canuck defenceman Troy Stecher took a slap shot that Binnington could see the entire way. However, the puck still beat him on the stick side. Counting the round-robin tournament, Binnington was averaging about 4.5 goals allowed a game. His save percentage was only .867.
Binnington’s struggles left the Blues with few options. To keep their title hopes alive, the Blues turned to Jake Allen in goal for Game 3.
Hey Buddy, They Are Back
Behind Allen, the Blues returned to their game that won it all in 2019. Brayden Schenn scored an overtime-winner in Game 3. The next night, Ryan O’Reilly scored twice. In the blink of an eye, the Blues were back. The series was tied. Allen only allowed three goals in Games 3 and 4. The forechecking was also back.
Midway through the second period of Game 5, the Blues led 3-1. The Blues were in great shape to take a 3-2 lead in the series. Despite the tough start, the champions were looking like they would be advancing.
In the Blink of an Eye
When you are a fan of a team and stuff is going wrong, there is something really important to remember. The other team is trying to win too. The Canucks, to their credit, were not be phased by a 3-1 deficit. By the end of the second period, the Canucks led 4-3. They would hang on to win the game and lead the series 3-2. The Blues were facing elimination.
The Blues had been in that spot three times in 2019. Twice against Dallas and once against Boston. The Blues went 3-0 while outscoring their opponents 10-3.
Binnington returned between the pipes for Game 6. The Blues trailed 1-0 in the second period. Conversely, they were still in the game. However, in the blink of an eye, just like in Game 5, the Canucks scored three rapid goals to open the game up. The Canucks won the game 6-2. They won the series 4-2.
The defending Stanley Cup Champions were defending no more.
Making Sense of the End
Any other time, being eliminated from the playoffs would cause hurt. 2020, as it had been all calendar year, provided an exception to the rule.
A few days after being eliminated, the Blues returned home. Social media captured many heartfelt moments. Players reunited with their families. Kids running outside to see their fathers. At that moment, you remember the players are humans too. Furthermore, they had just competed in perhaps one of the more unique playoffs in NHL history. Players could not see their families. If they did, they could not return to the team right away. There were protocols they had to follow.
The players wanted to win. However, seeing the families reunited changed things. The hurt of elimination was still there. On the other hand, there was a greater understanding of the situation.
It was a tall order for any team to go into the playoffs and win the Stanley Cup. The Tampa Bay Lightning deserve a lot of credit for what they had to do to win. Some think the circumstances make their championship less significant. In reality, what they were able to do makes their championship stand out even more.
The Short Title Defence
Many things went wrong for the Blues in the round-robin tournament and the playoffs. From big goals being scored against, to injuries, to slumping stars, very little went right.
In an alternative universe where the pandemic does not happen, perhaps the Blues continue their strong regular season and win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Sadly, we do not have Bruce Banner’s time machine from Endgame to go back and change the past. The Time Variance Authority may frown upon that, even if it were an option.
The Blues went into the bubble with high expectations. They were unable to achieve their goal. Among the low moments in Blues history, the short title defence will always rank near the top.
Main photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
