ST> LOUIS, MO – It was a slow build, ever since the grueling seven-game series with Chicago ended. But the St. Louis Blues are proving they are one of the most dangerous teams left in the playoffs as they defeated the Dallas Stars 6-1 in Game Three of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The Blues now lead the best-of-seven series 2 games to 1.
Team leading goal-scorer Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and two assists, and Alex Steen and David Backes both scored twice. Troy Brouwer had a goal and assist, and Brian Elliottt made 25 saves for the Blues.
But the Stars were the first to get on the board Tuesday night, a trend of scoring the game’s first in each of the previous two games. Colton Sceviour converted at 4:44 of the opening period, but the Blues answered quickly. Thomas Steen tied the game less than a minute later. David Backes then scored a power play goal late in the period to take a lead the home team would not relinquish. The Blues scored the game’s final six goals.
The Stars thought they tied it when defenseman Jason Demers appeared to score from the slot with 1:19 remaining in the first. The goal light came on, and referee Eric Furlatt pointed to the top of the net, but video review showed Demers’ shot hit the cross bar.
The Blues, who were outscored 12-3 in the second period in nine previous games in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, outscored the Stars 3-0 on Tuesday.
Using his size and strength, Brouwer scored when he moved around Stars defenseman Kris Russell at 2:34. It spelled the end for Niemi. Tarasenko then scored his fifth of the playoffs to make it 4-1 at 3:50 after Dallas defenseman John Klingberg coughed up the puck in his own zone. Alex Steen scored his second of the game with 1:57 left on a wrist shot through Lehtonen’s right arm.
Backes scored his second of the game and third in two games with the teams playing 4-on-4 play with just 1:54 remaining. He beat Lehtonen with a wrist shot high to the short side to make it 6-1.
Dallas continued to change goalies during the game, the second such occurrence in as many games. Antti Niemi started and allowed three goals on 12 shots before being pulled at 2:34 of the second period. Kari Lehtonen, who started Games 1 and 2, made 23 saves on 26 shots in relief.
The series continues in St. Louis and Game Four Thursday (8:00 PM. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports) before it heads back to Dallas on Saturday, May 7th (time to be determined).
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