The Blues: From Last to Champs

On Wednesday the 12th of June, the St. Louis Blues won the Stanley Cup. Just 6 months earlier in January, the Blues were not only last in their division but in last place in the entire league. Things were not looking good for the Blues, with a fight breaking out in practice during the team’s losing streak. Somehow, the team was able to band together and string together an 11-game winning streak to clinch a playoff spot. After battling through four best of seven rounds with two rounds going all the way to game seven, the team lifted the Cup as one unit Wednesday night.

The Blues are the first team of any of the major four sports to put together a run from last place in the league to the league champion.

But how?

The story of the St. Louis Blues offers a lot to take away. It’s an incredible story of determination, grit, and perseverance. The Blues refused to give up on themselves. After moving some pieces around and giving a rookie goaltender the nod, the team began to rebuild confidence. The Blues did not need their record to tell them that they were good enough, they just believed in themselves and believed in the group. This sense of belief allowed the team to march their way back up the NHL standings.

Each player was able to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal; getting into the playoffs and making a run for the Stanley Cup. The athletes put in the work day in and day out. They believed in their coach and the team decisions. Athletes changed lines and roles for the better of team. The team kept to their style of play by getting pucks deep and making big hits. The mindset of believing in each other, in their plan, and in their coach was a major factor in securing the championship.

Coaches and team leaders make the difference

Leadership is not easy. Leadership is not fun. Great leadership made the St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup Champions. During the pre-game discussions of the Blues vs. the Bruins, the experience of the Bruins was consistently brought up. The Bruins have been to multiple Stanley Cup Finals in the last 10 years, winning most recently in 2011. Athletes from the 2011 team were still on the team to provide guidance to the group.

However, experience proved not to play as big of a role as predicted. Instead, the steadfast leadership of the Blues made the difference. The Blues captain Alex Pietranglo and Coach Craig Berube were able to rally the team behind them. These leaders brought the group together by building their confidence and giving them a plan to believe in.

Coaches and captains have the ability to turn a team around or let it fall off and stay at the bottom. Great coaches understand how to connect with their athletes to help improve. Learn more about how you can become a greater coach by building confidence in your athletes.