Missouriland

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MISSOURILAND

Rallying

Jubilant St. Louisans gathered to celebrate a Blues home opener that concluded with a nail-biting finish

Photos by SARAH LOVETT

Words by JESSICA ROGEN

On the day of the Blues’ home opener, the real party took place outside the Enterprise Center — the game itself elicited more of a sigh of relief than wild jubilation.

Things started out swimmingly for the St. Louis NHL team as the players built a 2-0 lead against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 15. But then, a backslide, as its Ohio opponent picked up its game to match the score. Many a nail in the sold-out arena was bitten well into the third period until forward Ivan Barbashev broke the streak with a goal that was soon followed by two from left and right wingers Jack Neighbours and Vladimir Tarasenko.

The evening ended 5-2 Blues. Phew.

But things were different on the plaza at St. Louis Union Station. Beginning at 3 p.m. on the unseasonably balmy day, crowds of excited St. Louisans dressed in Blues gear and buzzing with energy gathered for the 2022 Opening Night Rally.

In addition to enjoying appearances from Louie, Blues broadcaster Chris Kerber, Chairman Tom Stillman, General Manager Doug Armstrong and Hall-of-Famer Al MacInnis, attendees sampled a host of food and entertainment options. That included live music from y riend ike, an in atable snapshot, street hockey, face painting and a T-shirt toss.

Union Station projected the game onto a screen, and if that took the exultant mood down a notch at any point — at least the Blues pulled through for a win. n

A CELEBRATION OF THE UNIQUE AND FASCINATING ASPECTS OF OUR HOME[ ]