Despite a brilliant performance from Brian Elliott in goal, the Blues were not able to muster enough offense as the Stars bested visiting St. Louis 2-1 in Game 1 of the second round.
Blues vs. Stars results, NHL playoffs 2016: Strong start for Dallas with 2-1 victory
A fast-paced game benefited the Stars in the second round opener.
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Both teams combined for 74 shots on goal in a up-and-down match which saw Lehtonen take the win with 30 saves.
Elliott could only do so much for the Blues, who looked sluggish defensively and allowed 42 Stars shots.
After a scoreless first, the Stars were finally rewarded with the first goal in the second period from Antoine Roussel. Strong puck movement in the zone after a good rush up ice had the Blues standing still on defense. Dallas capitalized as the rebound fell right to Roussel in front and with Elliott down and out of position from the first save, the Stars took the 1-0 advantage around the halfway mark of the game.
The Blues finally had sustained offensive zone pressure in the third period and were able to get the tying tally past Kari Lehtonen with eight and a half minutes to play. Rookie defenseman Colton Parayko went point to point with Kevin Shattenkirk at the blue line, before blasting home a puck in off the right post for the 1-1 score.
Dallas wasn't to be outdone, as less than four minutes later Radek Faksa pounced on an Elliott rebound. Ales Hemsky got behind the Blues defense and pulled a toe-drag move that had the netminder sprawling. The trailer Faska poked home the easy 2-1 tally for the Dallas game-winner.
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