NHL playoffs: Western Conference Final tied up as Sharks rout Blues in Game 2

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Lace ‘em up. Time for the Morning Skate.

2. Brent Burns was a factor again

The bearded Sharks defenseman was the best player on the ice for Game 2. He scored twice, finished with a higher Corsi for percentage than any other defenseman and made the Blues look helpless on the power play. The Norris Trophy candidate is gearing up for a Conn Smythe, as well.

Mike Milbury probably wants a do-over on one of his intermission report segments on Tuesday.

Out of context, it seems like he’s advocating for concussions. In context, it’s clear he’s trying for some sort of humor/exasperation combo and missed wildly. Judging from his immediate reaction after he said it, he probably regrets the comments. But it’s still not a great look for the league or NBC.

Game 3 is on Thursday in San Jose, with the series now tied 1-1.

Brouwer had a great chance in the third period to get on the board, but it rang off the post and out. He then got caught again with a penalty, and Burns made his team pay with his second power play goal of the night. Zubrus scored with the Blues net empty in the final minute, and San Jose evened the series with a 4-0 win in Game 2.

San Jose will have the chance to build on their strong Game 1 with hopefully more goals past Brian Elliott. The Sharks allowed only 23 Blues shots to their 32, and with 16 in the second period, it’s a wonder why they weren’t able to get just one through. The power play went 0-for-3 on Sunday, but have no fear, Sharks fans -- the special teams are just fine.

The Blues were held in check by their first opponent in these playoffs that matches their grinding, tough-hitting style of play. Elliott came up big, once again, with 31 stops, and the rest of the team will want to build upon the strength of their goaltender in Game 2. The ice tilted favorably toward the Sharks for the second half of Game 1, and it wouldn’t hurt the Blues to maintain more sustained pressure in the offensive zone going forward.