Better luck next year, Blues. (Photo: Dinur Blum/flickr)
I usually pretty much detest those people who are like “Yeah, well I still love my team!!!” after a loss because well, you’re a fan and that much should be obvious.
But damn if I don’t love the St. Louis Blues even after all the stupid and heart-breaking curveballs they’ve thrown at me in the past year or so—from my favorite players, Bishop and Crombeen, being traded, the lockout, the Rivermen being terrible, the Rivermen imploding to become even more terrible, the Rivermen being sold, to this too early exit from the playoffs as a direct result of a half-hearted effort from too many players, etc.
I’m sitting here reflecting upon what has been pretty much the worst hockey year of my life thus far, and feeling just kind of numb. But maybe that’s because, in spite of everything, I’m thinking about the future for this team. I know I’m going to have to say goodbye to a lot of players this offseason, and even so, the team will likely not have the money to address some of its needs. They’ll continue to be a good team, with a little more experience, but still not quite good enough…
…except, actually, they could be good enough, if only they believed in themselves and each other a little more. I know it sounds terribly cliche, but many times it really does come down to mentality and pure determination; the lack of which is, more often than not, the ultimate downfall for this team. Because despite what many may say, they played really well against the Kings. At times they showed flashes of brilliance and that unique determination. In the end, they played Blues hockey, and for that, I am proud.
In another year, the overwhelming likelihood is that I’ll be right back here, philosophizing all the same things. But if you think that’s going to stop me from believing in this team, you couldn’t be more wrong.
One day, the Blues will win it all and it will be even sweeter for having waited and believed.
