2011–12 St. Louis Blues season

The 2011–12 St. Louis Blues season was the 45th season of operation (44th of play) for the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise that was established on June 5, 1967.[1]

2011–12 St. Louis Blues
Central Division champions
Division	1st Central
Conference	2nd Western
2011–12 record	49–22–11
Home record	30–6–5
Road record	19–16–6
Goals for	210
Goals against	165
Team information
General Manager	Doug Armstrong
Coach	Davis Payne (Oct.–Nov.) Ken Hitchcock (Nov.–May.)
Captain	David Backes
Alternate captains	Barret Jackman Jamie Langenbrunner Andy McDonald Alexander Steen
Arena	Scottrade Center
Average attendance	18,810 (98.2%)   [41 G; 771,207 ]   (19,150 max.)
Team leaders
Goals	David Backes (24)
Assists	Alex Pietrangelo (39)
Points	David Backes (54) T. J. Oshie (54)
Penalty minutes	Ryan Reaves (124)
Plus/minus	Alexander Steen (+24)
Wins	Jaroslav Halak (26)
Goals against average	Brian Elliott (1.56)

The Blues qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 2008–09 NHL season, and the second time since the end of the lockout. They also won their first Central division title since the 1999–2000 NHL season.

Off-Season

The Blues extended contracts for all four of their coaches on May 26: Brad Shaw and Ray Bennette (assistant coaches), Corey Hirsch (goaltending consultant) and Scott Masters (video coach).[2]

Forward David Backes is named team captain, filling a vacancy left by Eric Brewer's departure during the previous season.

Regular season

October

November

On November 3, St. Louis Cardinals' ace pitcher Chris Carpenter laced up the skates for a practice session with other Blues' players, taking shots and making passes. He played ice hockey in high school at 16 and was an all-state defenseman his last three years for Trinity High School in Manchester, New Hampshire, with scouts from the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins pursuing him for a hockey career, which he ultimately turned down to pursue a career in baseball. He loved this hockey experience with the Blues, holding season tickets, and will be at Cardinals Night on November 4.[3]

The Blues celebrated Cardinals Night before the game on November 4. Former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa dropped the ceremonial first puck.[4]

The Blues fired head coach Davis Payne (6–7–0 record; 12 points for 13th in Western Conference) on November 6 and replaced him with Ken Hitchcock. Hitchcock became the 24th head coach in Blues' history and agreed to a contract through to the 2012–13 season.[5]

The Blues paid tribute before a home game on November 8, to two of their past players, Pavol Demitra (1996–2004) and Igor Korolev (1992–1994), who died in a September 7 plane crash near Yaroslavl, Russia, that carried the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team. Both players wore uniform number 38 while with the team. The accident killed 45 players, coaches, team personnel and members of the flight crew. It is the single-largest tragedy in the history of professional hockey.[6]

Chris Stewart was suspended for three games on November 16 as a result of his hit on Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall in the previous night's game.[7]

Left-winger David Perron was cleared for contact in practice skating on November 19. He has not played since suffering a concussion on November 4, 2010, missing the remaining 72 games last season.[8]

Ken Hitchcock is off to the best start for a new coach for the Blues in their team history after 10 games, with a 7–1–2 (16 points out of a possible 20) record, an 80% success rate, surpassing Joel Quenneville, who started with a 70% success rate through his first 10 games.[9]

On November 28, new goaltender Brian Elliott was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week for the week ending November 27, posting a 3–0–0 (0.98 goals against average, 0.963 save percentage and one shutout) record with wins over the Pittsburgh Penguins (3–2 in overtime), Calgary Flames (2–0) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2–1). He presently leads the League with his 1.31 GAA and .951 save percentage, and tied with his three shutouts.[10]

December

On December 2, injured forward David Perron was activated for the December 3 game in St. Louis, his first regular season game since suffering his concussion against the San Jose Sharks on November 4, 2010. He missed 97 games.[11]

January

Ron Caron, former Blues general manager (1983–1993, December 1996–June 1997), died at 82 in his Montreal home on January 9, the night before the Blues shut out the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre, a team for which Caron was a longtime scout and assistant general manager.[12][13] Caron led the Blues to a 438–405–127 record during his years, including a 47–22–11 (105 points) in 1990–91, the third-best record in Blues' history. The Blues qualified for the playoffs in each of Caron's 12 years as GM.[14] Former Blues' Hall of Fame center Bernie Federko said he did not know a more passionate hockey man in the world.[15] Ron Caron Guest Book

Goaltender Brian Elliott was named to the 2012 All-Star Game in Ottawa on January 29.[16]

February

Andy McDonald recorded an assist on the first goal of the game on February 12, his first game back after missing 51 games recovering from a concussion.[17]

David Perron was named the Third Star of the Week after scoring six goals, an assist and posting a +5 plus-minus rating in four games in the week ending February 12. He has 24 points (10 goals and 14 assists) in 30 games.[18]

March

The Blues climbed atop the NHL standings with a 3–1 win at home over the Anaheim Ducks on March 8, giving them an NHL-best 93 points (43–18–7). It is the latest date the Blues have been first this late in a season since March 9, 2000. They were 30th (last) in the NHL as recently as the 2005–06 season. They have an NHL-leading 46 points since January 1, and are a perfect 35–0 when scoring at least three goals in a game. They were 6–7 when Head Coach Ken Hitchcock took over on November 6.

The Blues announced they had signed 19-year-old center Jaden Schwartz, their first overall 2010 draft pick to an entry-level contract on March 12. He was immediately added to the Blues' roster.[19]
He scored in his first NHL game on March 17 in Tampa against the Lightning. The goal proved to be the game-winner in the 3–1 win, the 13th player in Blues' history to perform the feat.[20]
In that same game, the Blues became the first team to attain 100 points, as well as the first to clinch a playoff spot.[21]

Alexander Steen was activated on March 25 after missing 39 games due to concussion syndrome since last playing on December 27. Kris Russell also returned to the lineup since experiencing a concussion on February 23.[22]

The Blues set their all-time franchise record with Brian Elliott's eighth shutout of the season (in only 35 appearances) on March 25, giving the Blues 14 for the season. Additionally, Jaroslav Halak has six shutouts in 43 appearances. The duo broke the previous record of 13 set by Glenn Hall and Jacques Plante from the 1968–69 season. Elliott also tied Hall with his eighth shutout of the season, though Hall still owns the team record with 16 shutouts.[23]

The Blues set their all-time franchise record with their 30th home win on March 27. More records were set with goalie Brian Elliott's Most Consecutive Shutout Minutes (186:33), surpassing Manny Legace's 186:15. His ninth shutout against the Nashville Predators surpassed Glenn Hall's record of eight for a season. Elliott and Halak have combined for a modern-era NHL record of 15 shutouts, extending their previous record of 14 set March 25. The team's 105 points are their second-best in their history, surpassed only by the 1999–2000 season when they earned 114 points and won their first Presidents' Trophy.[24]

They clinched the Central Division title on March 31.[25]

April

Brian Elliott's shutout streak ended on April 4, after 241:33. It was a new franchise record beating Manny Legace's previous record of 186:15 set from Dec. 28, 2007 to Jan. 8, 2008.[26]

Elliott and Jaroslav Halak captured the William Jennings Trophy for the first time in leading the NHL in fewest goals allowed by a team's goaltenders with 165. Excluding 10 shootout goals allowed, the Blues allowed only 155 goals over their 82-game regular season, breaking the all-time record for fewest goals allowed in an 82-game season, which had been set at 164 by the 2003–04 New Jersey Devils.[27][28] It was only the second time in franchise history that the Blues goaltenders were awarded the William Jennings Trophy, as Roman Turek and Jamie McLennan had received the honor in the 1999–2000 season. The Blues also tied the modern NHL record with the 1969–70 Chicago Blackhawks, with 15 shutouts. Combined with the 5 shutouts against the Blues, 20 of the Blues' 82 regular-season games ended in a shutout.[29] Elliott and Halak are the first tandem goaltenders to record at least six shutouts each in the same season; Elliot had nine. He led the NHL with a 1.56 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage. His three consecutive shutouts tied the franchise record of Greg Millen in the 1988–89 season. Halak ranked fifth with a 1.97 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. They will be honored on June 20 at the 2012 NHL Awards.[30]

The Blues' lost only six of 41 home games, and their .793 own-ice percentage was their best in franchise history.[31]

Playoffs

Main article: 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs

The Blues ended the 2011–12 regular season as the Western Conference's 2nd seed. They defeated the #7 seed San Jose Sharks 4–1 in the first round, winning their first playoff series since 2002. They next faced the #8 seed Los Angeles Kings in the second round and were swept out of the playoffs.

Game three of the Blues-Sharks (Monday) April 16 playoff was the highest-rated Blues' game ever broadcast on Fox Sports Midwest with an 11.0 household rating. Game three of the 2001 playoff game against the Dallas Stars was the previous high with a 9.9 household rating, followed by a 9.8 rating for game four of that series, and fourth-highest a 9.7 rating for the game one opener with the Sharks [32] on (Thursday) April 12, 2012.[33]

Standings

Central Division

Pos	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	ROW	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	y – St. Louis Blues	82	49	22	11	45	210	165	+45	109
2	x – Nashville Predators	82	48	26	8	43	237	210	+27	104
3	x – Detroit Red Wings	82	48	28	6	39	248	203	+45	102
4	x – Chicago Blackhawks	82	45	26	11	38	248	238	+10	101
5	Columbus Blue Jackets	82	29	46	7	25	202	262	−60	65

Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division.

Western Conference

Pos	Div	Team	GP	W	L	OTL	ROW	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	NW	p – Vancouver Canucks	82	51	22	9	43	249	198	+51	111
2	CE	y – St. Louis Blues	82	49	22	11	45	210	165	+45	109
3	PA	y – Phoenix Coyotes	82	42	27	13	36	216	204	+12	97
4	CE	x – Nashville Predators	82	48	26	8	43	237	210	+27	104
5	CE	x – Detroit Red Wings	82	48	28	6	39	248	203	+45	102
6	CE	x – Chicago Blackhawks	82	45	26	11	38	248	238	+10	101
7	PA	x – San Jose Sharks	82	43	29	10	34	228	210	+18	96
8	PA	x – Los Angeles Kings	82	40	27	15	34	194	179	+15	95
9	NW	Calgary Flames	82	37	29	16	34	202	226	−24	90
10	PA	Dallas Stars	82	42	35	5	35	211	222	−11	89
11	NW	Colorado Avalanche	82	41	35	6	32	208	220	−12	88
12	NW	Minnesota Wild	82	35	36	11	24	177	226	−49	81
13	PA	Anaheim Ducks	82	34	36	12	31	204	231	−27	80
14	NW	Edmonton Oilers	82	32	40	10	27	212	239	−27	74
15	CE	Columbus Blue Jackets	82	29	46	7	25	202	262	−60	65

Source: National Hockey League
p – Clinched Presidents' Trophy; x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division.

Schedule and results

Pre-season

2011 Pre-season game log: 5–3–0 (Home: 2–2–0 ; Road: 3–1–0)
#	Date	Visitor	Score	Home	OT	Decision	Record	Recap
1	September 20	Tampa Bay Lightning	1–3	St. Louis Blues		W
2	September 21 (in Orlando, Florida)	St. Louis Blues	4–3	Tampa Bay Lightning		W
3	September 22	Minnesota Wild	1–0	St. Louis Blues		L
4	September 23	St. Louis Blues	3–2	Colorado Avalanche		W
5	September 24	St. Louis Blues	2–3	Dallas Stars		L
6	September 27	St. Louis Blues	4–3	Minnesota Wild		W
7	September 29	Colorado Avalanche	1–3	St. Louis Blues		W
8	October 1	Dallas Stars	4–0	St. Louis Blues		L

Regular season

  Win (2 points)  Loss (0 points)  Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)

2011–12 Game Log
October: 5–6–0 (Home: 2–1–0; Road: 3–5–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 1 October 8 Nashville Predators 4–2 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 0–1–0 0 Nsh 4, StL 2 2 October 10 Calgary Flames 2–5 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 1–1–0 2 StL 5, Cgy 2 3 October 13 St. Louis Blues 2–3 Dallas Stars Halak 7,949 1–2–0 2 Dal 3, StL 2 4 October 15 St. Louis Blues 4–2 San Jose Sharks Elliott 17,562 2–2–0 4 StL 4, SJS 2 5 October 16 St. Louis Blues 2–4 Anaheim Ducks Halak 14,555 2–3–0 4 Ana 4, StL 2 6 October 18 St. Louis Blues 0–5 Los Angeles Kings Halak 18,118 2–4–0 4 LAK 5, StL 0 7 October 21 Carolina Hurricanes 2–3 St. Louis Blues OT Elliott 19,150 3–4–0 6 StL 3, Car 2   OT 8 October 22 St. Louis Blues 4–2 Philadelphia Flyers Elliott 19,593 4–4–0 8 StL 4, Phi 2 9 October 26 St. Louis Blues 3–0 Vancouver Canucks Elliott 18,860 5–4–0 10 StL 3, Van 0 10 October 28 St. Louis Blues 1–3 Calgary Flames Elliott 19,289 5–5–0 10 Cal 3, StL 1 11 October 30 St. Louis Blues 2–4 Edmonton Oilers Halak 16,839 5–6–0 10 Edm 4, StL 2
November: 9–2–2 (Home: 6–1–1; Road: 3–1–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 12 November 4 Vancouver Canucks 2–3 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 6–6–0 12 StL 3, Van 2 13 November 5 St. Louis Blues 1–2 Minnesota Wild Halak 16,917 6–7–0 12 Min 2, StL 1 14 November 8 Chicago Blackhawks 0–3 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 7–7–0 14 StL 3, Chi 0 15 November 10 Toronto Maple Leafs 3–2 St. Louis Blues SO Halak 19,150 7–7–1 15 Tor 3, StL 2   SO 16 November 12 Tampa Bay Lightning 0–3 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 8–7–1 17 StL 3, TBL 0 17 November 15 Detroit Red Wings 1–2 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 9–7–1 19 StL 2, Det 1 18 November 17 Florida Panthers 1–4 St. Louis Blues Halak 17,642 10–7–1 21 StL 4, FLA 1 19 November 19 St. Louis Blues 2–3 Minnesota Wild SO Halak 17,259 10–7–2 22 Min 3, StL 2   SO 20 November 22 Los Angeles Kings 3–2 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,178 10–8–2 22 LAK 3, StL 2 21 November 23 St. Louis Blues 3–2 Pittsburgh Penguins OT Elliott 18,583 11–8–2 24 StL 3, Pit 2   OT 22 November 25 Calgary Flames 0–2 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 12–8–2 26 StL 2, Cgy 0 23 November 27 St. Louis Blues 2–1 Columbus Blue Jackets Elliott 14,151 13–8–2 28 StL 2, CBJ 1 24 November 29 St. Louis Blues 2–1 Washington Capitals Halak 18,506 14–8–2 30 StL 2, Wsh 1
December: 7–4–3 (Home: 6–1–1; Road: 1–3–2) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 25 December 2 St. Louis Blues 2–3 Colorado Avalanche SO Halak 15,966 14–8–3 31 Col 3, StL 2   SO 26 December 3 Chicago Blackhawks 5–2 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 14–9–3 31 Chi 5, StL 2 27 December 6 Detroit Red Wings 2–3 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 15–9–3 33 StL 3, Det 2 28 December 8 Anaheim Ducks 2–4 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,596 16–9–3 35 StL 4, Ana 2 29 December 10 San Jose Sharks 0–1 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 17–9–3 37 StL 1, SJS 0 30 December 15 New York Rangers 1–4 St. Louis Blues Elliott 18,121 18–9–3 39 StL 4, NYR 1 31 December 17 St. Louis Blues 1–2 Nashville Predators OT Halak 17,113 18–9–4 40 Nsh 2, StL 1   OT 32 December 18 Columbus Blue Jackets 4–6 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,611 19–9–4 42 StL 6, CBJ 4 33 December 21 St. Louis Blues 2–3 Colorado Avalanche Elliott 15,421 19–10–4 42 Col 3, StL 2 34 December 23 St. Louis Blues 3–2 Phoenix Coyotes Elliott 12,650 20–10–4 44 StL 3, Phx 2 35 December 26 Dallas Stars 3–5 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,842 21–10–4 46 StL 5, Dal 3 36 December 27 St. Louis Blues 2–3 Detroit Red Wings Elliott 20,066 21–11–4 46 Det 3, StL 2 37 December 30 Nashville Predators 2–1 St. Louis Blues SO Halak 19,150 21–11–5 47 Nsh 3, StL 2 SO 38 December 31 St. Louis Blues 0–3 Detroit Red Wings Elliott 20,066 21–12–5 47 Det 3, StL 0
January: 8–1–2 (Home: 7–0–2; Road: 1–1–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 39 January 3 Phoenix Coyotes 1–4 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,112 22–12–5 49 StL 3, Phx 1 40 January 5 Edmonton Oilers 3–4 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,428 23–12–5 51 StL 4, Edm 3 41 January 7 Colorado Avalanche 0–4 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 24–12–5 53 StL 4, Col 0 42 January 10 St. Louis Blues 3–0 Montreal Canadiens Halak 21,273 25–12–5 55 StL 3, Mon 0 43 January 12 Vancouver Canucks 3–2 St. Louis Blues OT Elliott 18,231 25–12–6 56 Van 3, StL 2  OT 44 January 14 Minnesota Wild 2–3 St. Louis Blues SO Halak 19,150 26–12–6 58 StL 3, Min 2  SO 45 January 16 Dallas Stars 0–1 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,036 27–12–6 60 StL 1, Dal 0 46 January 19 Edmonton Oilers 0–1 St. Louis Blues Halak 17,432 28–12–6 62 StL 1, Edm 0 47 January 21 Buffalo Sabres 2–4 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 29–12–6 64 StL 4, Buf 2 48 January 23 St. Louis Blues 1–3 Detroit Red Wings Halak 20,066 29–13–6 64 Det 3, StL 1 49 January 24 Pittsburgh Penguins 3–2 St. Louis Blues SO Elliott 18,471 29–13–7 65 Pit 2, StL 1   SO
February: 11–4–0 (Home: 5–1–0; Road: 6–3–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 50 February 3 Los Angeles Kings 0–1 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,811 30–13–7 67 StL 1, LAK 0 51 February 4 St. Louis Blues 1–3 Nashville Predators Halak 17,113 30–14–7 67 Nsh 3, StL 1 52 February 7 St. Louis Blues 3–1 Ottawa Senators Elliott 18,952 31–14–7 69 StL 3, Ott 1 53 February 9 St. Louis Blues 4–3 New Jersey Devils SO Elliott 15,021 32–14–7 71 StL 4, NJD 3  SO 54 February 11 Colorado Avalanche 2–3 St. Louis Blues OT Elliott 19,150 33–14–7 73 StL 3, Col 2  OT 55 February 12 San Jose Sharks 0–3 St. Louis Blues Halak 18,447 34–14–7 75 StL 3, SJS 0 56 February 14 St. Louis Blues 1–2 Columbus Blue Jackets Halak 12,425 34–15–7 75 CBJ 2, StL 1 57 February 16 New York Islanders 1–5 St. Louis Blues Elliott 18,434 35–15–7 77 StL 5, NYI 1 58 February 18 Minnesota Wild 0–4 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 36–15–7 79 StL 4, Min 0 59 February 19 St. Louis Blues 1–3 Chicago Blackhawks Elliott 22,077 36–16–7 79 Chi 3, StL 1 60 February 22 Boston Bruins 4–2 St. Louis Blues Elliott 18,460 36–17–7 79 Bos 4, StL 2 61 February 23 St. Louis Blues 3–2 Nashville Predators SO Halak 16,828 37–17–7 81 StL 3, Nsh 2  SO 62 February 25 St. Louis Blues 3–2 Winnipeg Jets SO Halak 15,004 38–17–7 83 StL 3, Wpg 2  SO 63 February 27 St. Louis Blues 3–1 Calgary Flames Halak 19,289 39–17–7 85 StL 3, Cal 1 64 February 29 St. Louis Blues 5–2 Edmonton Oilers Halak 16,839 40–17–7 87 StL 5, Edm 2
March: 8–4–3 (Home: 4–1–0; Road: 4–3–3) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 65 March 1 St. Louis Blues 0–2 Vancouver Canucks Elliott 18,890 40–18–7 87 Van 2, StL 0 66 March 3 St. Louis Blues 3–1 San Jose Sharks Halak 17,562 41–18–7 89 StL 3, SJS 1 67 March 6 Chicago Blackhawks 1–5 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 42–18–7 91 StL 5, Chi 1 68 March 8 Anaheim Ducks 1–3 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 43–18–7 93 StL 3, Ana 1 69 March 10 Columbus Blue Jackets 1–4 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 44–18–7 95 StL 4, CBJ 1 70 March 11 St. Louis Blues 2–1 Columbus Blue Jackets Halak 14,969 45–18–7 97 StL 2, CBJ 1 71 March 13 St. Louis Blues 3–4 Chicago Blackhawks SO Halak 21,349 45–18–8 98 Chi 4, StL 3   SO 72 March 15 St. Louis Blues 0–2 Carolina Hurricanes Elliott 18,680 45–19–8 98 Car 2, StL 0 73 March 17 St. Louis Blues 3–1 Tampa Bay Lightning Halak 18,777 46–19–8 100 StL 3, TBL 1 74 March 21 St. Louis Blues 3–4 Anaheim Ducks Halak 14,494 46–20–8 100 Ana 4, StL 3 75 March 22 St. Louis Blues 0–1 Los Angeles Kings SO Elliott 18,118 46–20–9 101 LAK 4, StL 3  SO 76 March 25 St. Louis Blues 4–0 Phoenix Coyotes Elliott 12,585 47–20–9 103 StL 4, Phx 0 77 March 27 Nashville Predators 0–3 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 48–20–9 105 StL 3, Nsh 0 78 March 29 St. Louis Blues 3–4 Chicago Blackhawks SO Halak 21,659 48–20–10 106 Chi 4, StL 3  SO 79 March 31 Columbus Blue Jackets 5–2 St. Louis Blues Halak 19,150 48–21–10 106 CBJ 5, StL 2
April: 1–1–1 (Home: 0–1–1; Road: 1–0–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Recap 80 April 4 Detroit Red Wings 3–2 St. Louis Blues SO Elliott 18,755 48–21–11 107 Det 3, StL 2  SO 81 April 6 Phoenix Coyotes 4–1 St. Louis Blues Elliott 19,150 48–22–11 107 Phx 4, StL 1 82 April 7 St. Louis Blues 3–2 Dallas Stars Halak 16,560 49–22–11 109 StL 3, Dal 2
Legend:   Win (2 points)   Loss (0 points)   Overtime/shootout loss (1 point)

Playoffs

Key:      Win      Loss

2012 Stanley Cup playoffs
Western Conference Quarterfinals: vs. (7) San Jose Sharks – St. Louis won series 4–1 # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series (STL–SJS) Recap 1 April 12 San Jose 3–2 St. Louis 2OT Halak 19,333 0–1 SJS 3, StL 2  2OT 2 April 14 San Jose 0–3 St. Louis Halak 19,500 1–1 StL 3, SJS 0 3 April 16 St. Louis 4–3 San Jose Elliott 17,562 2–1 StL 4, SJS 3 4 April 19 St. Louis 2–1 San Jose Elliott 17,562 3–1 StL 2, SJS 1 5 April 21 San Jose 1–3 St. Louis Elliott 19,490 4–1 StL 3, SJS 1
Western Conference Semifinals vs. (8) Los Angeles Kings: Los Angeles won series 4–0 # Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series (STL–LAK) Recap 1 April 28 Los Angeles 3–1 St. Louis Elliott 19,391 0–1 LAK 3, StL 1 2 April 30 Los Angeles 5–2 St. Louis Elliott 19,366 0–2 LAK 5, StL 2 3 May 3 St. Louis 2–4 Los Angeles Elliott 18,362 0–3 LAK 4, StL 2 4 May 6 St. Louis 1–3 Los Angeles Elliott 18,373 0–4 LAK 3, StL 1

Player statistics

Skaters

(Regular season through games of April 21, 2012)   FINAL

Stats

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes

Regular season Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM David Backes 82 24 30 54 15 101 T. J. Oshie 80 19 35 54 15 50 Alex Pietrangelo 81 12 39 51 16 36 Kevin Shattenkirk 81 9 34 43 20 60 David Perron 57 21 21 42 19 28 Patrik Berglund 82 19 19 38 4 30 Jason Arnott 72 17 17 34 13 26 Chris Stewart 79 15 15 30 1 109 Alexander Steen 43 15 13 28 24 28 Jamie Langenbrunner 70 6 18 24 7 32 Andy McDonald 25 10 12 22 4 2 Vladimir Sobotka 73 5 15 20 12 42 Carlo Colaiacovo 64 2 17 19 7 22 Matt D'Agostini 55 9 9 18 12 27 Barret Jackman 81 1 12 13 20 57 Roman Polak 77 0 11 11 6 57 Kris Russell ^† (Nov. 12 -) 43 4 5 9 13 12 Scott Nichol 80 3 5 8 −5 83 Kent Huskins 25 2 5 7 9 10 Chris Porter 47 4 3 7 −1 11 Ian Cole 26 1 5 6 7 22 Ryan Reaves 60 3 1 4 0 124 Evgeny Grachev * 26 1 3 4 −4 2 B. J. Crombeen 40 1 2 3 −2 71 Jaden Schwartz (Mar. 17 –) 7 2 1 3 1 0 Adam Cracknell * 2 1 0 1 1 0 Cade Fairchild * 5 0 1 1 −1 0 Brett Sterling * 4 0 0 0 −1 0 Nikita Nikitin ^‡ ( – Nov. 10) 7 0 0 0 −5 4 Taylor Chorney ^†‡ (Nov. 4 – Nov. 5) 2 0 0 0 0 0 * indicates not currently on the active roster. ^+ indicates on Injured Reserve. ^‡Traded away mid-season, date of last game in ( ). Stats reflect time with Blues only. ^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Blues, date of first game in ( ). Stats reflect time with Blues only. Bold = leading team in category.

Playoffs Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM Andy McDonald 9 5 5 10 −2 8 Patrik Berglund 9 3 4 7 2 6 David Perron 9 1 4 5 −4 10 Alex Pietrangelo 8 0 5 5 −1 0 David Backes 9 2 2 4 −5 18 Alexander Steen 9 1 2 3 −2 6 Kris Russell 9 0 3 3 3 5 T. J. Oshie 9 0 3 3 −2 6 Carlo Colaiacovo 7 0 3 3 2 16 Chris Stewart 7 2 0 2 −1 12 Kevin Shattenkirk 9 1 1 2 −3 6 Vladimir Sobotka 9 1 1 2 0 15 Jamie Langenbrunner 9 1 0 1 −1 11 Jason Arnott 7 1 0 1 −1 0 B. J. Crombeen 7 1 0 1 −1 31 Matt D'Agostini 4 1 0 1 0 4 Barret Jackman 9 0 1 1 −8 21 Scott Nichol 9 0 1 1 −3 14 Roman Polak 9 0 0 0 −3 19 Kent Huskins 1 0 0 0 0 2 Ian Cole 2 0 0 0 −1 0 Ryan Reaves 2 0 0 0 0 0

Goaltenders

(Updated through April 7, 2012)   FINAL
Stats

Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts

Regular season
Player GP Min W L OT GA GAA SA Sv% SO G A PIM Jaroslav Halak 46 2,747 26 12 7 90 1.97 1,211 .926 6 0 0 0 Brian Elliott 38 2,235 23 10 4 58 1.56   972 .940 9 0 0 0 TOTALS 82 4,982 49 22 11 148 1.78 2,183 .932 15 * 0 0 0

BOLD = individual leading NHL     * = Modern NHL Record

Playoffs (Updated through May 6, 2012)   FINAL
Player GP Min W L GA GAA SA Sv% SO G A PIM Brian Elliott 8 455 3 4 18 2.37 187 .904 0 0 0 2 Jaroslav Halak 2 104 1 1 3 1.73   46 .935 0 0 0 0 Jake Allen 1    1 0 0 0 0.00    0 .000 0 0 0 0

Awards and records

Awards

Regular Season
Player	Award	Awarded
Brian Elliott [34]	NHL Third Star of the Week	November 28, 2011
David Perron [35]	NHL Third Star of the Week	February 13, 2012
Jaroslav Halak [36]	NHL Third Star of the Week	March 12, 2012

Milestones

Regular Season
Player	Milestone	Reached
Vladimir Sobotka	200th Career NHL Game	October 8, 2011
Alex Pietrangelo	100th Career NHL Game	October 15, 2011
Evgeny Grachev	1st Career NHL Assist 1st Career NHL Point	October 22, 2011
Chris Stewart	200th Career NHL Game	October 22, 2011
Matt D'Agostini	200th Career NHL Game	November 15, 2011
T. J. Oshie	200th Career NHL Game	November 17, 2011
Cade Fairchild	1st Career NHL Game	November 29, 2011
Kris Russell	300th Career NHL Game	December 6, 2011
Jason Arnott	1,200th Career NHL Game	December 8, 2011
Kevin Shattenkirk	100th Career NHL Game	December 10, 2011
Carlo Colaiacovo	100th Career NHL Assist	December 18, 2011
Evgeny Grachev	1st Career NHL Goal	December 26, 2011
David Backes	400th Career NHL Game	December 27, 2011
Cade Fairchild	1st Career NHL Assist 1st Career NHL Point	January 12, 2012
Scott Nichol	600th Career NHL Game	January 23, 2012
T. J. Oshie	100th Career NHL Assist	February 16, 2012
Jaroslav Halak	100th Career NHL Win	February 23, 2012
Patrik Berglund	300th Career NHL Game	March 15, 2012
Jaroslav Halak	200th Career NHL Game	March 17, 2012
Roman Polak	300th Career NHL Game	March 17, 2012
Jaden Schwartz	1st Career NHL Game 1st Career NHL Goal 1st Career NHL Point [20]	March 17, 2012
Jaden Schwartz	1st Career NHL Assist	March 25, 2012
Jamie Langenbrunner	1,100th Career NHL Game	March 27, 2012

Final roster

Updated April 20, 2012.[37]

#	Nat	Player	Pos	S/G	Age	Acquired	Birthplace
34		Jake Allen	G	L	21	2008	Fredericton, New Brunswick
44		Jason Arnott	C	R	37	2011	Collingwood, Ontario
42		David Backes (C)	C/RW	R	28	2003	Minneapolis, Minnesota
21		Patrik Berglund	C	L	23	2006	Västerås, Sweden
28		Carlo Colaiacovo	D	L	29	2008	Toronto, Ontario
23		Ian Cole	D	L	23	2007	Ann Arbor, Michigan
79		Adam Cracknell	RW	R	26	2009	Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
26		B. J. Crombeen	RW	R	26	2008	Denver, Colorado
36		Matt D'Agostini	RW	R	25	2010	Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
1		Brian Elliott	G	L	27	2011	Newmarket, Ontario
78		Evgeny Grachev	C/LW	R	22	2011	Khabarovsk, Soviet Union
41		Jaroslav Halak	G	L	26	2010	Bratislava, Czechoslovakia
6		Kent Huskins	D	L	33	2011	Almonte, Ontario
5		Barret Jackman (A)	D	L	31	1999	Trail, British Columbia
15		Jamie Langenbrunner (A)	RW	R	36	2011	Cloquet, Minnesota
10		Andy McDonald (A)	LW/C	L	34	2007	Strathroy, Ontario
12		Scott Nichol	C	R	37	2011	Edmonton, Alberta
74		T. J. Oshie	RW/C	R	25	2005	Mount Vernon, Washington
57		David Perron	LW	R	23	2007	Sherbrooke, Quebec
27		Alex Pietrangelo	D	R	22	2008	King City, Ontario
46		Roman Polak	D	R	26	2004	Ostrava, Czechoslovakia
32		Chris Porter	C	L	27	2007	Toronto, Ontario
75		Ryan Reaves	RW	R	25	2005	Winnipeg, Manitoba
4		Kris Russell	D	L	25	2011	Caroline, Alberta
9		Jaden Schwartz	C	L	19	2010	Melfort, Saskatchewan
22		Kevin Shattenkirk	D	R	23	2011	Greenwich, Connecticut
17		Vladimir Sobotka	LW/C	L	24	2010	Třebíč, Czechoslovakia
20		Alexander Steen (A)	LW	L	28	2008	Winnipeg, Manitoba
25		Chris Stewart	RW	R	24	2011	Toronto, Ontario
55		Danny Syvret	D	L	26	2011	Millgrove, Ontario

Transactions

The Blues have been involved in the following transactions during the 2011–12 season

Trades Date Details June 25, 2011[38] To New York Rangers 3rd-round pick in 2011 To St. Louis Blues Evgeny Grachev November 10, 2011[39] To Columbus Blue Jackets Nikita Nikitin To St. Louis Blues Kris Russell February 26, 2012[40] To Ottawa Senators Ben Bishop To St. Louis Blues 2nd-round pick in 2013 Free agents signed Player Former team Contract terms Kyle Hagel[41] Rockford IceHogs 1 year, $525,000 Brian Elliott[42] Colorado Avalanche 1 year, $600,000 Kent Huskins[43] San Jose Sharks 1 year, $1 million Brett Sterling[44] Pittsburgh Penguins 1 year, $600,000 Scott Nichol[45] San Jose Sharks 1 year, $700,000 Jason Arnott[46] Washington Capitals 1 year, $2.875 million Jamie Langenbrunner[47] Dallas Stars 1 year, $2.8 million Jonathan Cheechoo[48] Worcester Sharks 1 year, $600,000 Danny Syvret[49] Philadelphia Flyers 1 year, $525,000 [50] Free agents lost Player New team Contract terms Nicholas Drazenovic[51] Columbus Blue Jackets 1 year, $550,000 Nathan Oystrick[52] Phoenix Coyotes 1 year, $600,000 Dean Arsene[52] Phoenix Coyotes 1 year, $725,000 Tyson Strachan[53] Florida Panthers 1 year, $750,000 Graham Mink[54] Hershey Bears 1 year Cam Janssen[55] New Jersey Devils 1 year, $525,000 Ty Conklin[56] Detroit Red Wings 1 year, $750,000 Claimed via Waivers Player Former team Date claimed off waivers Taylor Chorney[57] Edmonton Oilers October 11, 2011 Lost via waivers Player New team Date claimed off waivers Taylor Chorney[58] Edmonton Oilers November 10, 2011 Lost via retirement Player Date Paul Kariya June 29, 2011 [59] Player signings Player Date Contract terms Patrik Berglund[60] May 31, 2011 2 years, $4.5 million Roman Polak[61] June 2, 2011 5 years, $13.75 million T. J. Hensick[62] June 6, 2011 2 years, $1.2 million Nikita Nikitin[63] June 9, 2011 1 year, $600,000 Chris Porter[64] June 13, 2011 1 year, $600,000 Vladimir Sobotka[65] June 15, 2011 3 years, $3.9 million Sebastian Wannstrom[66] June 16, 2011 3 years, $2.32 million entry-level contract B. J. Crombeen[67] June 22, 2011 2 years, $2 million T. J. Oshie[68] June 30, 2011 1 year, $2.35 million Matt D'Agostini[69] July 1, 2011 2 years, $3.3 million Cody Beach[70] July 1, 2011 3 years, $1.825 million entry-level contract Adam Cracknell[71] July 1, 2011 1 year, $575,000 Ben Bishop[72] July 5, 2011 1 year, $800,000 Ryan Reaves[73] July 18, 2011 1 year, $525,000 Ryan Reaves[74] Jan. 9, 2012 2 years, $1.2 million contract extension Brian Elliott[75] Jan. 18, 2012 2 years, $3.6 million contract extension Jaden Schwartz[76] March 12, 2012 3 years, $2.49 million entry-level contract Adam Cracknell[77] March 27, 2012 1 year, $550,000 contract extension Paul Karpowich[78] April 20, 2012 2 years, $1.28 million entry-level contract Jani Hakanpaa[79] May 21, 2012 3 years, $2.095 million entry-level contract Jordan Binnington[80] May 29, 2012 3 years, $1.95 million entry-level contract Ty Rattie[81] June 1, 2012 3 years, $2.41 million entry-level contract Vladimir Tarasenko[82] June 2, 2012 3 years, $2.7 million entry-level contract Draft picks St. Louis' picks at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Saint Paul, Minnesota, at the Xcel Energy Center from June 24–25, 2011. The Blues had no first-round pick in the draft, because of the trade with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2010–2011 season.[83] Round Pick Player Position Nationality Team (League) 2 32 (from Colorado) Ty Rattie RW  Canada Portland Winterhawks (WHL) 2 41 Dmitrij Jaskin RW  Czech Republic Slavia Prague (Czech Extraliga) 2 46 (from Buffalo) Joel Edmundson D  Canada Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) 3 88 (from Tampa Bay) Jordan Binnington G  Canada Owen Sound Attack (Ontario Hockey League) 4 102 Yannick Veilleux LW  Canada Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 5 132 Niklas Lundstrom G  Sweden AIK IF (Elitserien) 6 162 Ryan Tesink C  Canada Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) 7 192 Teemu Eronen D  Finland Jokerit (SM-liiga) Farm teams Peoria Rivermen The Peoria Rivermen are the Blues American Hockey League affiliate in 2011–12. Alaska Aces The Alaska Aces are the Blues affiliate in the ECHL. See also 2011–12 NHL season St. Louis Blues seasons St. Louis (sports) References National Hockey League (2010). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book/2011. Triumph Books. p. 111. ISBN 978-1-60078-422-4. Blues Extend Contracts for 4 Coaches: Shaw, Bennett, Hirsch and Masters each get contract extensions, NHL.com (May 26, 2011) Carpenter Laces Up the Skates: St. Louis Cardinals' ace joins Blues for practice on Thursday morning, NHL.com (November 3, 2011) Cardinals Night with the Blues is Nov. 4: Manager Tony La Russa will drop the ceremonial puck prior to the game, NHL.com (November 2, 2011) Blues Hire Ken Hitchcock as Head Coach: Davis Payne was relieved of his duties as head coach on Sunday night, NHL.com (November 6, 2011) Blues Pay Tribute to Demitra, Korolev: Both former players died in the Sept. 7 plane crash in Russia Archived November 10, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, NHL.com (November 8, 2011) Stewart suspended for three games: Forward was suspended after hitting Detroit's Kronwall on Nov. 15, NHL.com (November 16, 2011) Perron Cleared for Contact: Blues forward is one step closer to a return to the lineup, NHL.com (November 19, 2011) Hitchock off to Best Start in Team History, NHL.com (November 27, 2011) Elliott Named Third Star of the Week: Blues goaltender was 3–0–0 with wins over Pittsburgh, Calgary and Columbus, NHL.com (November 28, 2011) Perron Returns Saturday vs. Chicago: Forward has been out since Nov. 4, 2010 with post-concussion syndrome, NHL.com (December 2, 2011) Ron Caron dies; former Blues GM, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (January 10, 2012) Jeff Gordon: Ron Caron was one of a kind, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (January 10, 2012) Blues Mourn the Passing of Ron Caron, NHL.com (January 10, 2012) Remembering Ron Caron, NHL.com (January 10, 2012) Elliott Headed to 2012 All-Star Game: All-Star Weekend will be held in Ottawa from Jan. 26 – Jan. 29, NHL.com (January 12, 2012) McDonald Gets an Assist in Return, NHL.com (February 13, 2012). Accessed 2012-02-15. Archived February 18, 2012. Perron Named to NHL Stars of the Week: Blues forward had six goals in the week ending Sunday, February 12, NHL.com (February 13, 2012). Accessed 2012-02-15. Archived February 18, 2012. Blues Sign Schwartz to Entry Level Deal: Schwartz, the Blues' first-round pick in 2010, will join the team in Chicago, NHL.com (March 12, 2012) Schwartz Scores in NHL Debut Saturday, NHL.com (Mar. 17, 2012) Blues Clinch Spot in Stanley Cup Playoffs: The Blues become the first team in NHL guaranteed to play in postseason, NHL.com (Mar. 17, 2012) Steen Activated from Injured Reserve: Forward has been sidelined with concussion symptoms since Dec. 27, NHL.com (Mar. 25, 2012) Blues Set Franchise Record for Shutouts: Halak, Elliott surpass team record set by Plante, Hall during 1968–69 season, NHL.com (March 25, 2012) Blues Set New Team Record for Home Wins: With a win Tuesday vs. Nashville, the Blues now have 30 wins at home, NHL.com (Mar. 27, 2012) Blues Clinch Central Division Title, NHL.com (Mar. 31, 2012) Elliott's Shutout Streak Ends at 241:33, NHL.com (Apr. 5, 2012) https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2012.html https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2012_games.html https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/STL/2012_games.html Halak, Elliott Capture Jennings Trophy: Blues goalie tandem allowed fewest goals during the 2011–12 regular season, NHL.com (Apr. 8, 2012) Bernie: Time has come for Blues to grow up, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Mar. 3, 2013) Game 1 is Highest-Rated Since 2002: Blues / Sharks game generated a 9.7 household rating on FS Midwest, NHL.com (Apr. 13, 2012) Game 3 is Highest-Rated Ever on FS Midwest, NHL.com (Apr. 17, 2012) Elliott Named Third Star of the Week, NHL.com (November 28, 2011) Perron Named to NHL Stars of the Week, NHL.com (February 13, 2012). Accessed 2012-02-15. Archived February 18, 2012. Bryzgalov, Kovalchuk, Halak named Three Stars, NHL.com (March 12, 2012) "Blues Roster – St. Louis Blues – Team". St. Louis Blues. Retrieved April 20, 2012. Blues Acquire Grachev from Rangers "Blues Acquire Kris Russell". Archived from the original on November 14, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2011. Blues Get Second Round Pick for Bishop Blues Sign Forward Kyle Hagel NHL.com (May 9, 2011) Blues Sign Goaltender Brian Elliott NHL.com (July 1, 2011) Blues Sign Defenseman Huskins NHL.com (July 2, 2011) Blues Sign Prospect Brett Sterling NHL.com (July 4, 2011) Blues Sign Scott Nichol NHL.com (July 5, 2011) Blues Sign Arnott to One-Year Deal NHL.com (July 6, 2011) Langenbrunner Signs with Blues NHL.com (July 6, 2011) Blues Sign Cheechoo to One-Year Deal NHL.com (July 13, 2011) Blues Sign Syvret to One-Year Deal NHL.com (August 8, 2011) Blues sign defenseman Syvret, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (August 8, 2011) Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Forwards Andrew Joudrey, Nicholas Drazenovic to Two-Way NHL/AHL Contracts Coyotes Sign Oystrick, Arsene & Watkins to one-year contracts Panthers Sign D Tyson Strachan GRAHAM MINK RETURNS TO HERSHEY LINEUP FOR 2011–12 Devils sign Cam Janssen Wings sign Conklin to one-year Blues Claim Chorney Off Waivers "Oilers claim Chorney; assign Teubert to Barons". Archived from the original on November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2011. Paul Kariya Announces Retirement Berglund Signs New Contract with Blues, NHL.com (May 31, 2011) Polak Signs Contract Extension, NHL.com (June 2, 2011) Blues Re-Sign T.J. Hensick, NHL.com (June 6, 2011) Blues Re-Sign Defenseman Nikita Nikitin, NHL.com (June 9, 2011) Blues Re-Sign Porter to One-Year Deal, NHL.com (June 13, 2011) Sobotka Signs Contract Extension, NHL.com (June 15, 2011) Blues Sign Sebastian Wannstrom, NHL.com (June 15, 2011) Blues Sign Crombeen to 2-Year Extension, NHL.com (June 22, 2011) Blues Sign Oshie to One-Year Deal, NHL.com (June 30, 2011) Blues Re-Sign Matt D'Agostini, NHL.com (July 1, 2011) Blues Sign Prospect Cody Beach, NHL.com (July 1, 2011) Blues Re-Sign Adam Cracknell, NHL.com (July 1, 2011) Blues Re-Sign Ben Bishop, NHL.com (July 5, 2011) Blues Sign Reaves to One-Year Deal, NHL.com (July 18, 2011) Reaves Signs Two-Year Extension, NHL.com (January 9, 2012) Blues Sign Elliott to Two-Year Extension, NHL.com (January 18, 2012) Blues Sign Schwartz to Entry Level Deal, NHL.com (March 12, 2012) Blues Sign Adam Cracknell to One-Year Deal, NHL.com (March 27, 2012) Blues Sign Goaltender Karpowich, NHL.com (April 20, 2012) Blues Sign 2010 Pick Jani Hakanpaa, NHL.com (May 21, 2012) Blues Sign Jordan Binnington, NHL.com (May 29, 2012) Blues Sign Top Draft Pick from 2011, NHL.com (June 1, 2012) Blues, Tarasenko Agree to Entry Level Deal, NHL.com (June 2, 2012) Blues Won't Have 1st-Round Pick in 2011: Pick will be transferred to Colorado as part of condition of earlier trade, (April 12, 2011) External links 2011–12 St. Louis Blues season at ESPN 2011–12 St. Louis Blues season at Hockey Reference