Patrick Maroon on his Game-Winner: “It Means a World to Me”

Patrick Maroon is living his dream. The Saint Louis native became the hero of his hometown and the inspiration for all the kids who, too, have a dream to play for the Blues someday.

In last night’s Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Stars, Maroon scored a game-winner in the second overtime, and sent his team to the conference finals.

“I wanted it,” Maroon said after the game. “It’s the biggest goal I ever scored.”

His 10-year old son was watching from the stands and got a little bit emotional because of his father. It seems that all members of the Maroon family know what this means for Pat.

And not only that, it means for the Blues organization, and for the city itself.

His team will now wait for the winner of Game 7 between the Sharks and the Avalanche.

Meanwhile, their Game 7 was an unequal fight. One side constantly attacked and was eager to score and crush the opponent, while the other, defended with all they have, trying to hold on.

If it weren’t for magnificent Ben Bishop who stopped 52 of Blues’ 54 shots, we are more than positive that the game would be over in the regular part.

For example, the Blues had 31 shots on goal in the second and the third period, while on the other side, Stars made just four.

“That’s why he’s up for the Vezina, that’s why he’s an elite goalie in this league. He’s only going to continue,” Maroon said of Bishop and his unreal performance last night.

The hearts of Blues’ fans stopped for a brief moment during overtime when Jamie Benn’s attempt was saved by Jordan Binnington in the last moments. Not long after that Maroon hit a game-winner.

Robert Thomas’ shot from the right circle struck into the post, deflected off Bishop’s mask, and the puck fell in front of Maroon. He didn’t hesitate too much, but put it into the net, for the biggest moment of his life.

For him, it was an experience which went beyond anything felt before.

All the people who read this need to understand that Maroon’s ties with St. Louis are very strong, and although he played outside the city in the past, he wanted to come back here. Many of the fans who follow hockey on a daily basis know that Maroon had tough times during past seasons, because of a distance which separated him and his family.

The player himself insisted on coming to Blues during the free agency, and he might even take a deal which wasn’t matching his real worth at that moment. But playing at home had no price for the 31-year old.

That is why he said that a goal against the Stars “meant a world to him.”

“You’re playing street hockey and playing with your brothers or in your basement, and you dream of those moments. To score a goal like that, I’ll never forget that moment.” Maroon said.

Maroon on his son watching his game-winner: "He was crying in the stands. I saw him. Emotional night for the Maroon family." #stlblues pic.twitter.com/epN2y6e4Ov

— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) May 8, 2019

The left winger’s career and the Blues have a lot of similarities this season. They were down, in pain, and as the season progressed, both stood up and smashed all the obstacles in front of them,

On January the 3rd, the Blues were the last-placed team in the entire league. After that, they managed to make a fantastic series, which still lasts, and climb all the way up to the conference finals.

Blues’ run might be another dream coming through. We saw Maroon fulfilling his dream; maybe it is time to see St. Louis winning the Stanley Cup.

Their opponents in the finals of the West will be either the Sharks or the Avalanche. Three years ago, San Jose defeated them at the same round and prevented them from fighting for the NHL title.

Maroon wants his dream to have a glorious ending, and on the other side, the Blues don’t want for their Cinderella story to stop.

This just might be a perfect combination for another fantastic chapter in these playoffs.