1985 Western Conference Final Run
The miraculous comeback from 3-0 down that fell just short of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Louis Blues history. Facing the Edmonton Oilers, led by Wayne Gretzky, the Blues mounted a legendary comeback from a 3-0 series deficit to force a Game 7. This run showcased the grit and resilience of the 'Gretzky-less' Blues era, featuring stars like Brian Sutter, Bob Plager, and Mike Liut, who refused to bow out despite overwhelming odds.
- Series Opponent
- Edmonton Oilers
- Final Result
- Lost in Game 7
- Key Comeback
- Overcame 3-0 deficit
- Team Captain
- Brian Sutter
- Notable Goalie
- Mike Liut
- Era Context
- Pre-Dynasty Blues
Lore & Background
Despite the incredible effort and the emotional high of forcing that final game, the Oilers' depth and Gretzky's brilliance ultimately proved too much in the decisive match. The loss ended the Blues' hopes for the Cup that year, but the memory of fighting back from the brink of elimination remains a cherished part of the franchise's identity—a testament to their refusal to quit.
In Their Own Story
The ice at the St. Louis Arena was slick with tension as the clock ticked down in Game 7. The roar of the crowd was a physical weight, pressing against the glass. Mike Liut wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes locked on the Oilers' formation. He had stopped everything all series; he could not stop this one. A pass sliced through the neutral zone, and for a split second, time froze before the puck found its way into the net, sealing the Blues' fate.
Reader's Guide
The series began with a brutal reality check as Edmonton swept the first three games in St. Louis, their speed overwhelming the home team. Desperate to survive, the Blues traveled to Edmonton and stunned the world by winning Game 4, silencing the Oilers' faithful for the first time that spring. Momentum shifted dramatically as Mike Liut posted a shutout in Game 5, followed by another crucial victory in Game 6 to send the series back home. Game 7 was a defensive slugfest where both teams played with extreme caution, but Edmonton's depth eventually wore down St. Louis in overtime or late regulation. The emotional atmosphere shifted from despair to euphoria and finally to heartbreak as the Blues fell just one game short of the Finals.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time a team came back from a 3-0 deficit in an NHL playoff series, though they did not win the series.
- Mike Liut's performance in this series is often cited as his finest hour before he left for Boston.
- The Oilers were riding high on their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship entering this matchup.
- Brian Sutter led the team with a blend of scoring and physical play that defined the Blues' identity.
More in Iconic Matches & Playoff Runs
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