They had to wait 52 years, but for the first time in franchise history, the St. Louis Blues are Stanley Cup champions. The team defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night, capping an incredible run in the playoffs.
Lead by Conn Smythe winner Ryan O’Reilly and rookie goalie Jordan Binnington, the Blues took the lead in Game 7 early on and never let it go. When the clock finally ran out, fans inside Enterprise Center back in St. Louis erupted with joy.
Seriously, it’s incredible. Not only did Blues fans pack their home arena, but a very special fan, 11-year-old Laila Anderson, who suffers from a rare disease called HLH, was able to be in Boston to watch her favorite team lift the Cup.
After players were done skating with the Cup, Laila got a chance and a hand in raising the best trophy in sports.
She also got some on ice hugs from her favorite players.
According the ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Anderson said she has “a gift for calling the first goal” and predicted correctly that Ryan O’Reilly would be the first to find the back of the net.
Of course, the emotion of the evening carried over to all the players and many, like Patrick Maroon, who took less money to stay in St.Louis to be with his family, teared up while talking to reporters after the game.
There were also plenty of happy hugs with family members and friends.
What a moment! It took 52 years, but hey, you did it.
