from Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch,

The defending Stanley Cup champions’ quest for a rare repeat hinges on so many factors, but it’s hard to find a bigger one than how Berube’s leadership ages in a league that recycles coaches like it resurfaces ice.

Berube’s ability to sense what his team needs, and when, is just one of the many reasons the Blues believe his era won’t be limited to one parade.

Berube, 53, pressed every right button after he made the transition from Mike Yeo assistant to Mike Yeo’s replacement. The Blues went from lost, to last team standing. Berube went from temp, to signing a three-year extension and receiving free meals for life — if he decides to take advantage of them, that is.

“I don’t go out,” Berube said the first week of training camp, in one of those moments where it’s hard to tell if he’s joking.

(His players aren’t the only ones he keeps guessing.)

Berube has proven to be the right blend of no-nonsense, non-negotiable expectations, along with the right amount of surprise.

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