It didn’t take long to end the suspense in Dallas on Wednesday night.
In fact, the game was over early in the second period when the St Louis Blues held a 4-0 lead over the Dallas Stars in Game 7.
From there, it was simply formality as the Stars were stunned, the American Airlines Arena was quiet and the Blues were itching for the Conference Final berth.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work from these guys, it’s taken a group that has really bound together when we’ve had our back against the walls in a couple Game 7s and played our best hockey when we really needed it,” David Backes said. “Good feeling right now. We know we’re one of the last four teams standing and we’re halfway to our ultimate goal. We still have some work to do; it’s a good feeling in this room right now, how we came out in Game 7, played a full 60 minutes.”
Six different players scored for the Blues including David Backes, Patrik Berglund, Troy Brouwer, Robby Fabbri, Paul Stastny, and Vladimir Tarasenko.
“I think that [it’s] a huge disappointment [to lose Game 7],” Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. “We had good energy, but it’s a tough way to end [our season]. Even when we started pushing, we missed too many good opportunities to get back in it.”
Brian Elliott made 31 stops for the win and was not tested nearly as much as expected in a Game 7. The St Louis defensive scheme kept the Stars to the outside along the boards and many shots were long-range with clear lines of sight for Elliot.
“Our guys really brought it,” Backes said. “It was great to see out of this group. We got a few good chances and we got a few key saves at key times, and stifled their attack, and were able to counter shortly after that, and that was the key to us continuing to put the pressure on for a full 60 [minutes].”
Patrick Eaves was the lone goal scorer for the Stars.
“It was a great, gusty effort that everybody came to play,” Elliott said. “We played that kind of Blues road-style hockey. We got a lead early and then didn’t really look back.”
The Blues will now hold home-ice advantage for as long as they remain in the playoffs.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Final will be in St. Louis on Sunday against the winner of Game 7 Thursday night between the San Jose Sharks and the Nashville Predators.
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