Although the Philadelphia Flyers were the first post-1967 team to win the Stanley Cup, it was the St. Louis Blues who were actually the most successful team in the first five years of expansion, 1967 to 1972.

For most of that period, the Blues were guided by Scotty Bowman and Al Arbour, two "legends in waiting" of the coaching fraternity.

Bowman, Arbour, and a handful of others guided the Blues to an astounding 163-147-72 record in that period, by far the best of the six expansion teams. St. Louis fans were rewarded with three consecutive berths in the Stanley Cup Finals, even though the team was swept in four straight games each season.

St. Louis fans filled the old St. Louis Arena, later known as the Checkerdome, and the building rocked like none other in the National Hockey League.

The Blues were always fortunate to attract top-flight talent, both on the ice and off. In addition to Bowman and Arbour, Hall of Famers such as Lynn Patrick and Emile Francis had great careers as Blues' general managers. Rising execs such as Cliff Fletcher and Jimmy Devellano spent time in the Mound City. Buy St Louis Blues Tickets.