LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — 52 years is a long time to wait.
"About halfway through last January, you could just feel it coming," said one St. Louis Blues fans, outside of T-Mobile Arena Saturday.
Five months later, propelled by a rookie goalie, a coaching change and an 11-game win streak, the Blues found themselves hoisting the Stanley Cup.
"It was just like destiny," added another Blues fan. "All of a sudden they just had the fire. It was like lightning in a bottle, everything just came together. It was just amazing to see."
Amazing and unprecedented - much like the Golden Knights inaugural season. As it turns out, the Blues also made the Finals their first season - actually their first three seasons - but never won a Finals game. Fans got used to being good, just not good enough.
"We watched them go deep in the playoffs so many times to come up short, so as lifelong Blues fans, it was awesome," said one Blues fan.
In two and a half seasons, the Golden Knights have had their fair share of awesome moments. But the big win still looms large.
"We haven't won yet. Year one was a great year and I'll always remember it but we still haven't won yet and that's the ultimate goal. We're not happy to be second," Golden Knights forward William Karlsson said.
As for Blues fans who paid a visit to the Fortress, they waited too long to be smug and have nothing but respect for their fellow Western conference leader.
"There's no hatred for the Knights here. I'll come to every game the Blues play here."
The Golden Knights beat the St. Louis Blues in overtime, 5-4, after coming back from a 0-3 deficit in the first period.
