5 Great Things About the St. Louis Blues’ Victory in the Winter Classic

1. The Unbelievable Crowd Atmosphere

The Winter Classic has pretty much been a “if you build it, they will come” event throughout its history. All of the cities that have been fortunate enough to hold it have managed to pack the house. Still, though, the NHL had to have been impressed by the passion that Blues fans put forth on Monday, especially in a market that a certain owner from another league blasted and blamed for his franchise’s lack of success just one year ago.

A crowd of 46,556 delivered the same enthusiasm that they do in Scottrade Center–only much louder–whether it was with the “Bluuuuuues” cheer at the end of the National Anthem, the “Crawford” chants directed at the Blackhawks’ goaltender, the “Let’s Go Blues” call and response, or the post-goal “Towel Man” counting ritual. While the team’s success obviously boosted the crowd’s morale, Monday’s showing proved that St. Louis is one of the nation’s best hockey towns, worthy of future outdoor games and perhaps an NHL All-Star Game in the not-too-distant future.

Next: 10 Wishes for a Better 2017 in St. Louis Sports

It was about as great a confidence booster as a fan base can get for a region that’s had to deal with some hard times over the past year, whether it be the Rams’ departure, a late-season loss of enthusiasm for the Cardinals, or politicians’ unwillingness to pursue an MLS expansion bid. St. Louis loves its Blues, though, and as the crowd inside and surrounding Busch Stadium proved on Monday, that’s not going to change any time soon.