St. Louis Blues

Lore & Background

Beyond the ice, the rivalry reflects the contrast between Ottawa's identity as a historic Canadian franchise and St. Louis' reputation as a resilient American powerhouse from the Midwest. While they do not share the border-proximity hatred of other pairings, the games are often characterized by high stakes, particularly when both teams are fighting for playoff positioning or advancing in the postseason. The memory of close series and overtime finishes has cemented this matchup as a significant one in the modern era of Ottawa hockey history.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Canadian Tire Centre is thick with anticipation as the puck drops against St. Louis. The roar of the crowd rises to a fever pitch, echoing off the rafters where banners from past glories hang silent but proud. On the ice, the Senators' crisp passing game meets the Blues' relentless forecheck in a collision of styles. It is not just another regular-season game; it feels like a battle for divisional pride, every hit and save amplifying the tension that has built up over years of conference matchups.

Reader's Guide

The origins of this rivalry are structural rather than historical, stemming from NHL scheduling that placed both teams in the Eastern Conference for decades. While they never shared a division until recent realignments, their frequent meetings created a competitive familiarity. Key incidents fueling tension include the 2007 second-round playoff series, where the Senators pushed the eventual Cup finalists to the limit before falling short. That series highlighted the clash between Ottawa's offensive flair and St. Louis' defensive grit, creating lasting memories for fans of both clubs. Statistically, the head-to-head record is generally balanced, reflecting two teams that often compete at similar levels during their respective peak years. These games shape the Senators' identity by providing a consistent test against a physically tough American opponent, forcing Ottawa to adapt its style away from home ice.

Did You Know?

• Ben Bishop was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the third round of the 2005 NHL entry draft, 85th overall.
• Bishop made his NHL debut on October 24, 2008, coming off the bench in relief of the injured Manny Legace to start the second period in a 4–0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
• Bishop recorded his first NHL shutout against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place on February 25, 2011, stopping all 39 shots in a 5–0 win.
• On February 26, 2012, Bishop was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2013 NHL entry draft.
• At the time of the trade to Ottawa, Bishop was the AHL's top goaltender with a 24–14–0 record, a 2.26 GAA, a .928 save percentage, and an AHL-leading six shutouts through 38 games.