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How the T.J. Oshie Era Opened the St. Louis Blues Championship Window
On Monday, T.J. Oshie announced his retirement from the NHL. Oshie spent his 16-year career playing for the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals. After seven years with the Blue Note, Oshie was traded to the Caps, where he helped them win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. While Oshie did not win the Stanley Cup with the Blues, he did help the organization open the championship window, which resulted in Stanley Cup Championship in 2019.

Oshie and the Blues Championship Window
First-Round Fun
Oshie was the Blues first-round pick in 2005. When Oshie made his NHL debut in the 2008-09 season, the Blues were seeking to escape a dark era in team history. The organization had not made the playoffs since the 2003-04 season. Chris Pronger was no longer around. Aside from a fun season from Brad Boyes, there was little fun for the Blue Note.

Behind a combination of veterans of first-round picks, things changed in the 2008-09 season. Oshie scored 14 goals in 57 games for the Blues, who rallied to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Oshie finished eighth in the Calder Trophy voting. Furthermore, he scored what would be voted the “Goal of the Year” during the Blues push for the playoffs.
While the Blues were swept in the first round, brighter days were ahead in St. Louis. With Oshie and others leading the way, the championship window was starting to open.

2012-2015
In the 2011-12 season, Oshie scored 19 goals and added 54 points for the Blues, who made the playoffs for the first time since the 2009 season. Furthermore, the Blues won the Central Division and were considered contenders for the Stanley Cup. The Blues reached the second round but were eliminated in a sweep. In nine playoff games, Oshie only recorded three points, all assists.

From 2013 to 2015, Oshie continued to put up 55-60 points. Furthermore, he was an Olympic hero for Team USA during the 2014 Winter Olympics. However, that success never carried over into the Blues. In those three years, Oshie only scored five goals in 18 playoff games. The Blues did not make it out of the first round in any season.