Given the chance to repeat the tried, predictable, failed solution, the Blues this time decided to bring back an experienced head coach, even if they needed four weeks to maintain their grip.
The easy step for ownership and general manager Doug Armstrong would have been to dismiss Ken Hitchcock following another postseason limp, then market the team around a younger, “exciting,” player-friendly bench figure prone to yell at referees and maybe hurl a stick or two. The Blues briefly groped for free agent Mike Babcock, then returned to what they know, a future Hall of Fame coach who insists he remains open to change — and hopefully a second-round playoff win — at age 63.