Two seasons ago, the St. Louis Blues were a top team in the NHL. They captured the Central Division title, and were prepared to go on a long playoff run.
They drew the Minnesota Wild, a Wild Card team, in the first round. St. Louis was considered to be a superior team, with a legitimate superstar in Vladimir Tarasenko, a great blue line, and a solid group of forwards in David Backes, TJ Oshie, Paul Stastny, and Jaden Schwartz.
Minnesota had a strong team themselves, but even with Devan Dubnyk standing on his head entering the playoffs, St.