2013–14 St. Louis Blues season

Jaroslav Halak became the Blues' leader in shutouts with his 17th on October 5, with a 7–0 victory over the Florida Panthers at the Scottrade Center, surpassing Glenn Hall's 16.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/fla-vs-stl/2013/10/05/2013020027 |title=Blues rout Panthers with two lines standing out |publisher=NHL.com |date=October 5, 2013}} Hall's record took 140 games (1968–1971), while Halak's took him only 121 games since he joined the Blues in June 2010.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=685348 |title=Halak Sets Franchise Shutout Record |publisher=NHL.com |date=October 5, 2013}}

The Blues have opened the season with a 4–0 start on October 12 with a home win against the New York Rangers, the first time they have started that perfectly in their 47-year history. The game was also their 10th consecutive home win dating back to last season.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-stl/2013/10/12/2013020070 |title=Top line leads Blues past Rangers |publisher=NHL.com |date=October 12, 2013}}

Alexander Steen was named the First Star of the Month for October on November 1, having the best start of his NHL career. He scored 11 goals, including four power-play goals, and sat fourth in the NHL with 16 points in the team's 10 games played for the month.[http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=689497 Steen Named NHL's First Star for October: Blues forward scored 11 goals in 10 games in October to lead the League], NHL.com (November 1, 2013)

The Blues' telecasts earned the highest ratings in October in the team's 18 seasons on Fox Sports Midwest, with a 3.5 rating, 94% higher than in October 2011 (1.8), and 13% higher than the team's previous October best, a 3.1 in 1997. The Blues were 7–1–1 in October.[http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=689980 Blues TV Ratings Soar in October: Games on FOX Sports Midwest earned highest October ratings ever] NHL.com (November 5, 2013)

Steen scored his NHL-leading 14th goal on November 7 against the Calgary Flames, the game-winner. Alexander Ovechkin and Steven Stamkos had tied him with their 13th earlier in the evening. He was the first Blues' player to score 14 goals in the team's first 14 games since the 1991 season, when Brett Hull scored 16. Maxim Lapierre scored his first goal as a Blue and goaltender Brian Elliott earned his 100th career win in stopping 18 shots out of 20. Jordan Leopold got his first two points of the season (both assists), while Kevin Shattenkirk got an assist on the Blues' second goal, giving him at least one in his seventh consecutive game, the longest in the NHL this season. He has eight in that span.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-stl/2013/11/07/2013020238 |title=Steen scores again, Blues hold off Flames |publisher=NHL.com |date=November 7, 2013}}

On November 16, Steen scored his NHL-leading 17th goal, the game-winner with 6:20 into the third period, and earlier added an assist to pass Sidney Crosby for the points lead at 26, in a 4–2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Steen also extended his NHL-best points streak to 13 games, totaling 13 goals and five assists in that stretch. Blues' Head Coach Ken Hitchcock also won his 618th game, passing Jacques Lemaire for ninth place on the all-time list.[https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-stl/2013/11/16/2013020298 Steen saves Blues again against Hurricanes] NHL.com (November 17, 2013) Steen's consecutive game streak of at least one point ended at 13, in the next game on Nov. 17.

On November 23, Coach Hitchcock got his 621st win, passing Bryan Murray for eighth place on the all-time list.[https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/dal-vs-stl/2013/11/23/2013020347 Six Blues score to end Stars' road win streak] NHL.com (November 23, 2013)

On November 25, Jaroslav Halak got his 27th career shutout, a franchise-record 18th as a member of the Blues and his second this season.[https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/min-vs-stl/2013/11/25/2013020360 Halak, Blues shut out Wild; Steen scores twice] NHL.com (November 26, 2013)

On November 27, Steen scored his 20th goal, tying Alexander Ovechkin for the NHL lead, in the Blues' fifth consecutive win. The Blues were 10–1–1 in their past 12 games for a 19–3–3 record and 41 points.[https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/col-vs-stl/2013/11/27/2013020375 Red-hot Blues handle Avalanche to start road trip] NHL.com (November 28, 2013)

Alexander Steen scored his 23rd and 24th goals in a 5–1 win on December 19, after earlier in the day signing a 3-year, $17.4 million contract extension to keep him as a Blue through to the 2016–17 season. His 24 goals, tying his career-high after only 34 team games (23–7–4), were second in the NHL only to the 28 scored by Alexander Ovechkin. Brenden Morrow earned his 300th career assist. The team was 48–0–1 in the previous 49 home games when scoring three goals or more.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-stl/2013/12/19/2013020530 |title=With new contract, Steen scores two more for Blues |publisher=NHL.com |date=December 19, 2013}} Steen, the second-highest goal scorer in the NHL with 24, was sidelined with an upper-body injury during the second period of the December 21 game against the Edmonton Oilers.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=697250 |title=Steen Out with Upper-Body Injury |publisher=NHL.com |date=December 23, 2013}} He was placed on injured reserve with a concussion on December 28. He had last played on December 21, leaving in the second period. He led the Blues with 24 goals (second in the NHL) and 38 points.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=697818 |title=Steen Placed on Injured Reserve |publisher=NHL.com |date=December 28, 2013}}

Chris Stewart was named First Star of the Week on December 23, for his performance in the week ending December 22, after earning six goals and one assist. He beat Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh) and Matt Duchene (Colorado).{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=697293 |title=Stewart Named NHL's First Star of the Week |publisher=NHL.com |date=December 23, 2013}}

On December 23, the prime minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, attended the Blues' game in Calgary against the Flames.John Kelly announcement on Fox Sports Midwest.

On December 28, the Blues beat the Chicago Blackhawks in a thrilling 6–5 shootout at Scottrade to gain a point on the Blackhawks, and now within six points of division-leading Chicago, but with four games fewer played. The Blues were twice down by two goals, but came back to tie in regulation and then through a scoreless overtime. The Blues have beaten Chicago all three games played with two coming in shootouts, with this game playing without their top scorer, Alexander Steen. Dmitrij Jaskin scored his first NHL goal.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-stl/2013/12/28/2013020581 |title=Blues rally for SO win vs. Blackhawks |publisher=NHL.com |date=December 28, 2013}}

Three Blues' players were named to the 2014 Winter Olympics, men's USA Olympic team in Sochi, (February 7–23). David Backes, 29, T. J. Oshie, 27, and Kevin Shattenkirk (to be 25 then), were named to the team after the 2014 Winter Classic game on January 1. Backes (Minneapolis, Minnesota) was named to the USA Olympic team for the second time, Oshie (Everett, Washington), and Shattenkirk (New Rochelle, New York) for the first.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=698117 |title=3 Blues Named to USA Olympic Team: Backes, Oshie and Shattenkirk will play for Team USA at the Winter Games |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 1, 2014}}

Vladimir Sobotka was named to the Czech Republic's men's Olympic team,{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=699287 |title=Sobotka to Play for Czech Republic: Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka will play in the 2014 Winter Olympics |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 6, 2014}} but a leg injury on January 31 prevented him from participating in the Olympics.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=703318 |title=Sobotka Placed on IR with Leg Injury: Blues forward was injured late Jan. 31 and will be re-evaluated in four weeks |publisher=NHL.com |date=February 1, 2014}}

The Blues had their best start in the first half of the season (41 games) in team history after the January 4 game, with a 29–7–5 record and 63 points.

Goalie Brian Elliott was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week on January 6 for the week ending Jan. 5, after posting a glittering 3–0–0 record with a 1.00 GAA and a 0.962 save percentage, including one shutout, the 24th of his career and 15th with the Blues. That was one shy of Glenn Hall for #2 in team history. He came within eight seconds of a second shutout against the Minnesota Wild on New Year's Eve.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=699244 |title=Elliott Named NHL's Second Star of the Week: Blues goaltender was 3–0–0 with a 1.00 GAA, a .962 save percentage and one shutout |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 6, 2014}}

Jay Bouwmeester, 30, and Alex Pietrangelo (to be 24 then), both defensemen, represented Canada on the men's Olympic team.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=699275 |title=Bouwmeester, Pietrangelo to Play for Canada: Both Blues defensemen will represent Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 7, 2014}}

Vladimir Tarasenko represented Russia on the men's Olympic team. He was a native of Yaroslavl.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=699314 |title=Tarasenko to Represent Russia in Sochi |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 7, 2014}}

Jaroslav Halak represented Slovakia on the men's Olympic team.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=699454 |title=Halak to Represent Slovakia |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 7, 2014}}

The Blues were back on top of the TSN Power Rankings on January 13, and had a +1.34 per game goal differential.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=700582 |title=Blues Back on Top of TSN Power Rankings: The Blues also ranked No. 2 in a list of Power Rankings from ESPN.com |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 14, 2014}}

Alexander Steen returned to a full practice with the Blues on January 13, still out with a concussion. He led the Blues in goals (24) and scoring (38 points) as of his December 21 injury. His 38 points were fifth in the NHL. This was his concussion, after losing 39 games during the 2011–12 season. The Blues were able to play at a 7–1–1 pace in his nine missed games, through January 10.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=700500 |title=Steen Returns to Practice: Alexander Steen (concussion) has been out of the lineup since Dec. 21 |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 13, 2014}} His 38 points led the Blues until T. J. Oshie scored twice in the January 14 game, giving Oshie 39 points with a team-leading 29 assists to go with 10 goals, but playing in 45 games to Steen's 35 games. He was activated on January 17, after missing 11 games since his concussion on December 21. He was fifth-ranked in goals with 24. Named to Sweden's men's Olympic team, as was teammate Patrik Berglund.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=700906&navid=DL |title=Steen Activated from Injured Reserve: Blues forward has been sidelined since the Dec. 21 game vs. Edmonton |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 17, 2014}} They were selected on January 7. Steen, 29, representing Sweden for the fourth time overall, first time at the Olympics. Berglund, 25, for the fifth time overall, first time at the Olympics.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=699430 |title=Steen, Berglund Named to Team Sweden |publisher=NHL.com |date=January 7, 2014}} Altogether, 10 Blues' players have been selected to five countries' Olympic teams.

On February 6, coach Ken Hitchcock won his 110th game with the Blues, tying him for fourth place with Scotty Bowman on the Blues' list. With the OT win, the Blues moved within two points of Chicago for first place in the Central Division, and three points of the NHL-leading Anaheim Ducks.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-stl/2014/02/06/2013020864 |title=Blues top Bruins on Oshie's goal in OT |publisher=NHL.com |date=February 6, 2014}}

On February 15, at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, T. J. Oshie scored four shootout goals in six attempts (in a preliminary round only for seeding purposes), including the game-winner in a thrilling 3–2 win for the U.S. over Russia in front of 11,678 screaming fans{{cite web |url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/388/IHM400A04_74_5_0.pdf |work=IIHF |title=Game Summary: USA 3, Russia 2 |date=February 15, 2014 }} at the Bolshoy Ice Dome.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/sochi/2014/02/15/usa-russia-olympic-men-hockey/5506693 |title=T.J. Oshie leads USA to thrilling shootout win over Russia |work=USA Today |date=February 15, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=705108 |title=Oshie's Heroics Lift USA to a Win: Blues forward scored four times in a shootout to help defeat Russia |publisher=NHL.com |date=February 15, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/15/world/sochi-us-russia-hockey/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 |title=Hockey: US tops Russia in OT thriller |publisher=CNN.com |date=February 15, 2014}} Video.{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1961312-usa-vs-russia-olympic-hockey-2014-live-score-highlights-and-reaction?hpt=hp_t1 |title=USA vs. Russia Olympic Hockey 2014: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction |publisher=bleacherreport.com |date=February 15, 2014}} Oshie was a player on the "bubble" whether the U.S. team would add him to its roster or not, but took him because of his success rate in shootouts.{{cite web |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/morning-skate/t-j-sochi-oshie-lifts-usa-over-russia-in-shootout/article_d556abb4-df09-586b-b2fd-b24a4df969c6.html |title=T.J. Sochi: Oshie lifts USA over Russia in shootout |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=February 15, 2014}} At the time of the Olympic break after the February 8 game, Oshie was tied for the team lead in points (46, 14 goals and 32 assists in 57G) with team goal-scoring leader Alexander Steen (28 goals and 18 assists in 46G).

On February 28, the Blues traded Jaroslav Halak and Chris Stewart, along with minor leaguer William Carrier and a first-round pick in 2015 and third-round pick in 2016, in exchange for goaltender Ryan Miller and forward Steve Ott of the Buffalo Sabres.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=706959 |title=Blues Acquire Miller, Ott from Buffalo: Sabres get Halak, Stewart, Carrier, a first-round pick and a third-round pick |publisher=NHL.com |date=February 28, 2014}} Miller and Ott joined the Blues on Sunday for their road game against the Phoenix Coyotes.{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=706963&navid=nhl:topheads |title=Miller, Ott traded to Blues by Sabres for Halak, Stewart |publisher=NHL.com |date=February 28, 2014}}

The Blues took over the top spot in the NHL after their March 9 win with 94 points, and became the first team to pass the 100-point level (47–14–7), for the sixth time in their history after beating the Winnipeg Jets on March 17. On March 16, the team lost forward Vladimir Tarasenko because of a hand injury from the previous game on March 15.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=709803 |title=Tarasenko to Get Surgery on Right Hand |publisher=NHL.com |date=March 16, 2014}} T. J. Oshie missed his first game of the year, the wild St. Patrick's Day game with numerous fights, to see the birth of his daughter earlier in the day. The Blues are four points ahead of their closest competitors, the Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks for the Presidents' Trophy with 14 games to play.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/stl-vs-wpg/2014/03/17/2013021024 |title=Blues reach 100-point plateau with win vs. Jets |publisher=NHL.com |date=March 17, 2014}}

On March 22, the Blues clinched a playoff spot for the third consecutive season and 38th in franchise history, after the Phoenix Coyotes lost after the Blues lost to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Blues lead the Western Conference with 101 points (47–16–7) with 12 games remaining.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=710094 |title=Blues Clinch Playoff Berth |publisher=NHL.com |date=March 22, 2014}}

With his 16th career shutout for the Blues and 25th career shutout on March 24, Brian Elliott tied Glenn Hall for second place. He accomplished his 25th shutout in only his 209th start. It was the fifth fastest to 25 shutouts in modern NHL history. After 28 games, Elliott has a 17–5–2 record, 1.97 GAA, a .921 save percentage and fourth shutout this year. Jaroslav Halak holds the Blues' record with 20 shutouts.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=710965 |title=Elliott Tied for Second in Blues Shutouts |publisher=NHL.com |date=March 24, 2014}}

T. J. Oshie was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week on March 31, for the week ending March 30. He tied for second place with six points in three games, including his first career hat trick on March 27.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=712070 |title=Oshie Named NHL Third Star of the Week |publisher=NHL.com |date=March 31, 2014}}

The Blues set a new team wins record with their 52nd on April 3, breaking the record held by the 1999–2000 Blues team that had 51 wins, 114 points, and won the Presidents' Trophy that season. They were in a strong position for the trophy with 111 points (52–17–7), over Boston by losing one less game then the Bruins, with six games remaining.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-stl/2014/04/03/2013021149 |title=Blues edge Sabres, set team record for wins |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 3, 2014}}

On April 4, Alexander Steen was nominated by the St. Louis chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The trophy is awarded annually to the player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." Steen led the Blues with 33 goals, and was tied for the team lead with 60 points despite losing 11 games from a concussion in December.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=712867 |title=Steen Nominated for Masterton Trophy |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 4, 2014}}

The Blues Central Division lead evaporated after their fourth consecutive loss on April 10, while the Colorado Avalanche won, tying the Blues with 111 points, but having the season's head-to-head advantage over the Blues.

T. J. Oshie was hit high by the Wild's Michael Rupp on April 10, in the middle of the second period. Rupp was immediately given a 10-minute match penalty, and subsequently a four-game suspension without pay, from the NHL Department of Player Safety for the illegal hit to the head. The suspension covers the last regular season game and three playoff games. Rupp forfeited $7,692 for those four games.{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=714083 |title=Rupp suspended four games for illegal check to head |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 11, 2014}} Oshie had 21 goals, and was second on the team with 60 points.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=713906 |title=Oshie Leaves April 10 Game with Injury |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 10, 2014}}

Just before the regular season came to an end, the Blues were battling several key injuries which contributed to their season-high five-game losing streak headed into the final game on April 13. T. J. Oshie, David Backes, Vladimir Sobotka, Derek Roy, Brenden Morrow and long-injured Vladimir Tarasenko were available for the final game. Patrik Berglund got hurt in the final period of the April 12 game. The playoffs started on April 17.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=714296 |title=Blues Battle Several Key Injuries |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 12, 2014}}

Of the eight players sidelined by injury who couldn't play in the last regular season game on April 13, six returned for the first game of the first playoff round, against Chicago on April 17. One of the six was Vladimir Tarasenko, who suffered a broken hand on March 15 with surgery on March 19, and was not expected to be evaluated until after the end of the first round.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=715122 |title=Tarasenko Ready to Return |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 17, 2014}} Only T. J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund won't be ready.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=28506 |title=Blues Get Healthier for Game 1 |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418233812/http://blues.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=28506 |archive-date=April 18, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

Fox Sports Midwest had a record broadcast season covering the team. The Blues were seen in 4% of homes in the St. Louis area market who had a television. The previous record was last year (2012–13 season) with a 3.9 rating. The Blues' rating ranked fifth among U.S.-based NHL teams.{{cite web |author=Dan Caesar |url=http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/television/dan-caesar/media-views-alum-dierdorf-to-broadcast-michigan-games/article_3b0206bf-f775-5bab-81b5-02616e3725de.html |title=Media Views: Alum Dierdorf to broadcast Michigan games ('Around the dial') |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 18, 2014}}

Coach Ken Hitchcock, 62, was extended through the 2014–15 St. Louis Blues season on May 7, as were associate coach Brad Shaw and assistant coach Ray Bennett. The club announced that assistant coach Gary Agnew, and goaltending coach Corey Hirsch were not retained. Hitchcock was the 24th head coach of the Blues, starting on November 7, 2011. He had a 124-55-20 (.673) record in his three years, a record for a Blues' coach. He was an Edmonton, Alberta native, who has a 657-405-78 (.602) lifetime NHL coaching mark.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=718333 |title=Blues Extend Hitchcock Through 2014-15: Shaw, Bennett will remain part of coaching staff; Agnew, Hirsch will not return |publisher=NHL.com |date=May 7, 2014}} On May 13, 2014, the Blues announced they had hired former Carolina Hurricanes head coach, Kirk Muller as an assistant coach to Hitchcock.{{cite web|title=Blues hire Kirk Muller as assistant coach|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=718987|publisher=NHL.com|access-date=13 May 2014}}

{{2013–14 NHL Central Division standings|team=STL}}

Legend:

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Legend:

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{{legend2|#ffffff|Overtime/shootout loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

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Legend:

{{legend2|#cfc|Win (2 points)|border=1px solid #ccffcc}}

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{{Main|2014 Stanley Cup playoffs}}

The St. Louis Blues entered the playoffs as the Central Division's second seed. They faced the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round.

([http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=714495 Round 1 Schedule], [http://blues.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm?season=20132014&gameType=3 Schedule, incl. networks/tickets])

The longest game in franchise history ended at 0:26 into the third overtime of Game 1 on April 17, with Alexander Steen scoring the game-winning goal to win, 4–3, ending the 100 min. 26 sec. marathon. Jaden Schwartz scored with 1:45 remaining in the third period to tie it at 3–3. A highlight was forward Maxim Lapierre after inadvertently getting shoved into the goal crease, and then making a save on a shot that sailed past Ryan Miller in the first overtime.{{cite web |author=Jeff Gordon |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/gordon-relentless-blues-outlast-blackhawks/article_33afc3d8-5121-580d-b13d-9608bb3f390d.html |title=Gordon: Relentless Blues outlast Blackhawks |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 17, 2014}} The team ended its scoring drought after 148 minutes 39 seconds with Adam Cracknell's first-ever playoff goal at 4:40 into the first period.{{cite web |author=Bernie Miklasz |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie-all-s-well-that-ends-well/article_0ef4adb0-f25b-5b1d-ac35-7f9619d4d098.html |title=Bernie: All's well that ends well |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 18, 2014}} Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored their first playoff goals. The home record for a playoff overtime game for the Blues had been 33:49 of extra time in a 5–4 win over Chicago on April 20, 1989. Jay Bouwmeester exited the game in the first overtime with dehydration symptoms, though he extended his consecutive games streak at 717, which at the time was the longest active stretch in major American professional sports.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400552546 |title=Alexander Steen boosts Blues over Blackhawks in 3OT |work=ESPN.com |date=April 17, 2014}} The Blues had 52 shots on goal to Chicago's 42. The previous longest game in franchise history was April 7, 1984, with the Blues winning 4–3 over Detroit at 17:07 into the second overtime.{{cite web |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/steen-gets-winner-as-blues-beat-blackhawks---in/article_79c64477-7740-53cd-9232-5846e3e52849.html |title=Steen gets winner as Blues beat Blackhawks 4–3 in third overtime |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 17, 2014}}

Patrik Berglund returned for Game 3 (April 21) after suffering an upper-body injury on April 11 against Dallas.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=28639 |title=Blues Get Berglund Back for Game 3 |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 21, 2014 |access-date=April 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429045245/http://blues.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=28639 |archive-date=April 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} David Backes exited Game 2 on April 19 and was unable to return after an illegal hit to the head by Brent Seabrook at the 15:09 mark in the third period. Seabrook was given a 5-minute charging major and a Game Misconduct, and was subsequently suspended for three games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety. A teammate of Seabrook's was caught on camera taunting the injured Backes with a "Wakey, wakey, Backes" chant. While Duncan Keith claimed to not "remember everything" he said, several Blues players attributed the taunt to him in postgame interviews.{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=28620 |title=High emotions for St. Louis, Chicago in Game 3 |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 21, 2014}} The Blues led the series 2–0 after the April 19 game win, 4–3, with the game-winning goal scored 5:50 into the first overtime by Barret Jackman.{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=28636 |title=Backes ruled out for St. Louis in Game 3 |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 21, 2014}}

Game 3 on April 21 garnered the highest ratings ever for Fox Sports Midwest in broadcasting a Blues' game with an 11.9 household rating in the St. Louis market. The previous high was 11.0 on April 16, 2012, in the Blues' first-round win at San Jose. The Blues-Blackhawks game was the most-watched program that evening in St. Louis. Viewership peaked at the end of the game at a 14.7 rating/22 share/184,000 households. Game 1 on April 17 was the third-watched all-time with a 10.4 rating. The afternoon Game 2 on April 19 (KSDK) received an 11.2 rating.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=715996 |title=Game 3 Shatters FSMW Ratings Record: Blues-Blackhawks earns 11.9 rating, best ever for a Blues game on FSMW |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 22, 2014}}

Brenden Morrow missed Game 4, and was out for the remainder of the first round series.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=716255 |title=Morrow Out for Rest of First Round |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 23, 2014}} Game 5 on April 25 was broadcast on NBC Sports instead of Fox Sports Midwest. Game 6 on Sunday, April 27, was broadcast on NBC, at 2pm.

Vladimir Tarasenko, after four games (April 23) led the NHL with four playoff goals. Kevin Shattenkirk had one goal and four assists for five points, tied for second among defensemen.{{cite web |author=Chris Pinkert |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=28802 |title=Blues, Blackhawks Look to Break Deadlock |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233855/http://blues.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=28802 |archive-date=April 26, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

The Blues got captain David Backes back for Game 5 at home (April 25),{{cite web |author=Dan Rosen |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=28853 |title=David Backes returns to lineup for Blues |publisher=NHL.com |date=April 25, 2014}} playing in 21:35 on 34 shifts, and the team outhitting Chicago 54–17, but it was for naught as the team lost 3–2 in the fourth overtime game, with them missing the net numerous times in shots, and too frequently an open net. Through the first five games, the Blues missed the net on 88 of their shot attempts, and had another 68 shots blocked by Chicago defenders.{{cite web |author=Bernie Miklasz |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/miklasz-backes-return-sparks-blues-but-he-s-part-of/article_1e4ad71d-c5a2-5f85-97b3-ae4f4683ff62.html |title=Miklasz: Backes' return sparks Blues, but he's part of game-losing play |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 26, 2014}} Coach Ken Hitchcock changed lines on both offense and defense with Alexander Steen joining Vladimir Sobotka and Vladimir Tarasenko on a second line.{{cite web |author=Jeff Gordon |url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/hockey-guy-another-ot-more-agony-for-blues/article_fb828546-b905-5e2e-b9f6-209ef2833fc0.html |title=Hockey Guy: Another OT, more agony for Blues |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 25, 2014}}

Legend:

{{legend2|#ccffcc|Win|border=1px solid #ccffcc}}

{{legend2|#ffcccc|Loss|border=1px solid #ffcccc}}

Legend:

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|}

Final stats{{cite web|title=2013–2014 Regular Season Stats – Points – St. Louis Blues – Statistics|url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/stats.htm|publisher=St. Louis Blues|access-date=April 28, 2014}}

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{{col-2}}

⁺ indicates on Injured Reserve.

* indicates not currently on the active roster.

^‡Traded away mid-season, date in ( ). Stats reflect time with Blues only.

^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Blues, acquired date in ( ). Stats reflect time with Blues only.

Bold = leading team in category.

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{{col-end}}

(through final regular season game on April 13, 2014)

Playoffs

(through final game on April 27, 2014)

The Blues were involved in the following transactions during the 2013–14 season

{{notelist}}

The Peoria (Illinois) Rivermen were the Blues American Hockey League affiliate in 2012–13

On April 1, 2013, the Blues announced that the Vancouver Canucks on March 29 agreed to buy the Rivermen from the Blues, pending approval from the NHL.[http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=662810 Canucks Agree to Buy Rivermen], NHL.com (April 1, 2013) It was expected the Blues would affiliate with the AHL's Chicago Wolves for the 2013–14 season.[http://thecanuckway.com/2013/03/29/report-vancouver-canucks-purchase-peoria-rivermen-move-to-abbotsford Report: Vancouver Canucks Purchase Peoria Rivermen], thecanuckway.com (March 29, 2013) The Blues officially announced their affiliation with the Wolves on April 23, for at least three seasons. They played in the Allstate Arena in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont. The team was formerly affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks from 2011–2013, and the Atlanta Thrashers from 2001–2011.[http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=667265 Blues Announce Affiliation with Wolves: Chicago Wolves will serve as the Blues' AHL affiliate for at least three seasons], NHL.com (April 23, 2013) The swap was hard to take for the fans of the team, but the team's attendance was light, and the sponsorship not very strong. The team was one of the premier franchises in the AHL. The team's owner was Don Levin, coached by Scott Arniel, and their GM was Wendell Young.[http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/blues-swap-of-ahl-affiliates-is-hard-for-peoria/article_8a767290-157d-5c99-ac9e-2db802dd10ca.html Blues swap of AHL affiliates is hard for Peoria], St. Louis Post-Dispatch (May 21, 2013)

The Blues announced an affiliation with the St. Charles Chill of the Central Hockey League on October 17, and join the Chicago Wolves as a source for player development. The Chill begin their inaugural season on October 19, and played at the Family Arena in St. Charles.{{cite web |url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=687277 |title=Blues Announce Affiliation with Chill: The CHL's St. Charles Chill played at the Family Arena in St. Charles |publisher=NHL.com |date=October 17, 2013}}

{{See also|List of St. Louis Blues draft picks}}

St. Louis Blues' picks at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, to be held in Newark, New Jersey on June 30, 2013.

;Draft notes{{cite web|title=2013 NHL Entry Draft Pending Transactions|url=http://www.prosportstransactions.com/hockey/DraftTrades/Years/2013.htm|publisher=Pro Sports Transactions|access-date=June 15, 2013}}

• The St. Louis Blues' first-round pick went to the Calgary Flames as the result of an April 1, 2013, trade that sent Jay Bouwmeester to the Blues in exchange for Mark Cundari, the rights to Reto Berra, a 2014 first-round pick and this pick.{{cite web|title=Blues Acquire Bouwmeester from Calgary – St Louis Blues – News|url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=663290|publisher=St. Louis Blues|date=April 1, 2013}}
• {{Note label|Note1|a|a}}The Ottawa Senators' second-round pick went to the St. Louis Blues as a result of a February 26, 2012, trade that sent Ben Bishop to the Senators in exchange for this pick.{{cite web|title=Blues Get Second Round Pick for Bishop – St Louis Blues – News|url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=618990|publisher=St. Louis Blues|date=February 26, 2012}}
• The St. Louis Blues' second-round pick went to the Buffalo Sabres as the result of a March 30, 2013, trade that sent Jordan Leopold to the Blues in exchange for a 2013 fifth-round pick and this pick.{{cite web|title=Blues Acquire Leopold from Buffalo|url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=662930|publisher=St. Louis Blues|date=March 30, 2013}}
• {{Note label|Note1|b|b}}The Los Angeles Kings' second-round pick went to the St. Louis Blues as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent Tampa Bay's fourth-round pick in 2013 (94th overall) and St. Louis' third and fourth-round picks in 2013 (83rd and 113th overall) to Edmonton in exchange for this pick.{{cite web|title= Draft Day Recap|url=http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=675765&navid=DL|publisher=Edmonton Oilers|access-date=July 1, 2013|date=June 30, 2013}}
       Edmonton had acquired this pick as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent a second-round pick in 2013 (37th overall) to Los Angeles in exchange for a third-round pick in 2013 (88th overall), Carolina's fourth-round pick in 2013 (96th overall) and this pick.{{cite web|title=2013 NHL Draft – LA Kings Selections|url=http://kings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=675936|publisher=Los Angeles Kings|access-date=July 1, 2013|date=June 30, 2013}}
• The St. Louis Blues' third-round pick went to the Edmonton Oilers as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent Los Angeles' second-round pick in 2013 (57th overall) to St. Louis in exchange for Tampa Bay's fourth-round pick in 2013 (94th overall), a fourth-round pick in 2013 (113th overall) and this pick.
• The Tampa Bay Lightning's fourth-round pick went to the Edmonton Oilers as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent Los Angeles' second-round pick in 2013 (57th overall) to St. Louis in exchange for a third and fourth-round pick in 2013 (83rd and 113th overall) and this pick.
       St. Louis had acquired this pick as the result of a trade on July 10, 2012, that sent B. J. Crombeen and a fifth-round pick in 2014 to Tampa Bay in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2014 and this pick.{{cite web|title=Blues Acquire Picks from TB for Crombeen|url=http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=637599|publisher=St. Louis Blues|date=July 10, 2012}}
• {{Note label|Note1|c|c}}The Toronto Maple Leafs' fourth-round pick went to the St. Louis Blues as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent a seventh-round pick in 2013 (203rd overall) and a fourth-round pick in 2014 to Nashville in exchange for this pick.
       Nashville had acquired this pick as the result of a trade on July 3, 2011 that sent Cody Franson and Matthew Lombardi to Toronto in exchange for Brett Lebda, Robert Slaney and this pick (being conditional at the time of the trade).{{cite web|title=Leafs acquire Lombardi and Franson in swap|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=568385|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 3, 2011|date=July 3, 2011}} The condition – Lombardi plays in 60 or more regular season games over the course of the 2011–12 and 2012–13 NHL seasons – was converted on April 3, 2012.{{cite web|title=Matthew Lombardi, Maple Leafs – 2011–12 regular season game log|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468695&season=20112012&view=log|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=April 10, 2012}}
• The St. Louis Blues' fourth-round pick went to the Edmonton Oilers as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent Los Angeles' second-round pick in 2013 (57th overall) to St. Louis in exchange for a third-round pick in 2013 (83rd overall), Tampa Bay's fourth-round pick in 2013 (94th overall) and this pick.
• The St. Louis Blues' fifth-round pick went to the Buffalo Sabres as the result of a March 30, 2013, trade that sent Jordan Leopold to the Blues in exchange for a 2013 second-round pick and this pick.
• The St. Louis Blues' seventh-round pick went to the Nashville Predators as the result of a trade on June 30, 2013, that sent Toronto's fourth-round pick in 2013 (112th overall) to St. Louis in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2014 and this pick.{{cite web|title=Canucks-Devils trade highlights day of deals at draft|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=675991|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=July 1, 2013|date=June 30, 2013}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [https://www.espn.com/nhl/team/schedule/_/name/stl/st-louis-blues 2013–14 St. Louis Blues season at ESPN]
• [https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/STL/2013_games.html 2013–14 St. Louis Blues season at Hockey Reference]

{{St. Louis Blues}}

{{St. Louis Blues seasons}}

{{2013–14 NHL season by team}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2013-14 St. Louis Blues Season}}

Category:St. Louis Blues seasons

St. Louis Blues season, 2013-14

St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Blues