1970 Smythe Division Final Game 5
A chaotic, overtime thriller at the St. Louis Arena that kept the Blues alive, but they lost the series 4-2 to Chicago in the 1970 Stanley Cup Quarterfinals.
Game 5 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Quarterfinals stands as one of the most pivotal and dramatic contests in St. Louis Blues history. Played on April 26, 1970, at the St. Louis Arena, this match was a do-or-die situation for the Blues against their fierce rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. With the series tied 2-2 after four games, the Blues needed a victory to take a 3-2 series lead, while the Blackhawks sought to end the season early.
- series_status
- Series tied 2-2 entering game
- result
- Blues win 4-3 in overtime
- significance
- Kept Blues alive, but they ultimately lost the series 4-2
Lore & Background
The atmosphere inside the St. Louis Arena was electric, with fans aware that another loss would send them home early. The game featured moments of brilliance from both sides, including Chicago superstar Bobby Hull, who scored once in what many considered his last great run. For the Blues, it was a testament to their resilience; they had overcome a deficit and fought through a grueling overtime period to steal the victory. This win forced a Game 6, but the Blues would ultimately fall to the Blackhawks in six games.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the St. Louis Arena was thick with smoke and anticipation as the clock wound down on regulation. The ice surface was scarred by hours of hard checking, reflecting the desperation of a team that refused to fold. As the third period wore on, fans stood in unison, their voices a roar that seemed to shake the rafters, knowing one mistake would end their season. In overtime, every stride felt heavier, every pass more precious, until finally, the puck found its way home.
Reader's Guide
The game began with intense physical play from both sides, setting a grueling tone for the contest. Chicago took an early lead, leveraging Bobby Hull's speed and skill to pressure the Blues' defense throughout the first period. St. Louis fought back in the second and third periods, utilizing their depth and defensive structure to chip away at the Blackhawks' advantage. The game remained tight, with neither team able to pull away for a comfortable lead as regulation time expired tied 3-3. Overtime became a war of attrition. The crowd's energy reached a fever pitch as both teams pushed forward. In a moment of pure chaos, the Blues capitalized on a turnover near the Chicago blue line, leading to a scramble in front of the net that resulted in the game-winning goal.
Did You Know?
- This game kept the Blues alive, but they lost Game 6 and the series 4-2 to the Blackhawks.
- The St. Louis Arena was known for its small size and deafening noise, creating a hostile environment for visiting teams.
- Bobby Hull of the Blackhawks scored one goal in this game despite his team losing in overtime.
- The Blues and Blackhawks continued to meet frequently in the playoffs for decades after 1970.
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