A key moment that stands out didn’t even happen during a game. On Dec. 9, the new coach benched David Perron. Made him a healthy scratch for the game against Vancouver — this is pretty tough to accept for a veteran player, signed for big bucks as a free agent. Perron didn’t even want to discuss the scratch with the scribes in the media. But Perron had been playing sloppy hockey. And Berube sure pushed the right button. Perron became one of the best players under Berube — and it showed the team that tough coaching wasn’t selective.

“He’s definitely raised the work ethic and the accountability in our room,” Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo said. “He pushes guys, whether it’s your top line guys or guys who are coming in and out of the lineup. Different motivational tactics. It’s definitely been big for our group. He’s made us a harder team offensively and defensively. It’s definitely worked.”

Of course, this is the way it goes, right? A new coach provides all these great things — motivation, optimism — until that same coach fades out. We’ve seen it in recent years: Ken Hitchcock rejuvenated the Blues, got them to the conference finals … and then he needed to go. So, Mike Yeo rejuvenated the Blues, got them to the playoffs and won a round … and then he needed to go.

And now, Craig Berube has rejuvenated the Blues.