The St. Louis Blues are hoping they did not blow their momentum in the first round of the NHL Playoffs. After going up 2-0 on the Chicago Blackhawks, the team lost Game 3 in a shutout. If history says anything, it is that this is where the Blues unfold. The last time the Blues faced the defending Stanley Cup champions, they went up 2-0 on the Los Angeles Kings before dropping Game 3 and the eventual entire series, resulting in a quick exit of the postseason. Can the team increase theirlead before it is too late?
The Blues escaped with two overtime wins before Chicago took the shutout in Game 3 behind Corey Crawford's excellent play. The Blues are aware they cannot risk history repeating itself and will use defense to set the tone in Game 4. The Blackhawks have new found confidence in this series that could carry them farther than the Blues are hoping.
Despite their lack of power play abilities, the Blackhawks still got the win. Chicago went 0-for-4 on the power play for the second straight time, but their defense has also stopped 15 of 16 attempts by the Blues. St. Louis could be out David Backes for Game 4, an injury they cannot afford. The captain took a hit by Brent Seabrook and is not expected back until fully healthy.
Ryan Miller's improvement in Game 4 will be critical. He has given up four gals in 87 shots after allowing three goals in the first seven of the series. It was just two that made the difference. The Blackhawks will take full advantage of home ice and will aim to take the same road as the Los Angeles Kings a season ago.