The St. Louis Blues beat the San Jose Sharks in game six of the Western Conference Finals, bringing the Blues to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 49 years.
The Blues lost game one of the series 6-3. The Blues were able to tie the series in game two. The Sharks regained their lead in game three, beating St. Louis 5-4, after the controversial no call on the hand pass by San Jose. But the Blues went on to win the next three games. The Blues won game three 2-1. The Blues took control of the series after beating San Jose 5-0 in game five.
In tonight’s series clinching win, the Blues came out on fire, scoring two goals in the first period. The Blues scored only 1:32 minutes in to the game off of a shot by David Perron with assists by Sammy Blais and Ryan O’Reily. Most of the rest of the period was back and forth. But with 3:44 left in the first period, Colton Parayko passed the puck to Vladimir Tarasenko. Tarasenko was able to get the puck past Sharks goaltender, Martin Jones, with a wrist shot, increasing the Blues lead to 2-0.
The second period started off with each team having many chances, but neither able to score. However, with about 13 minutes left in the second period, Dylan Gambrell of San Jose, scored with assists by Joonas Donskoi and Jones.
The Blues quickly bounced back after Gambrell’s goal. Brayden Schenn scored a much deserved goal off of assists by Alex Pietrangelo and Robert Thomas with 7:13 left in the period.
The Blues dominated the balance of the second period.
With San Jose fearing their playoff run coming to an end, they took control of the beginning of the third period. They had many shots, but failed to capitalize.
With 6:55 left in the game, Tyler Bozak shot the puck in the net, though it appeared that a San Jose player actually tipped it in. The Blues were now leading 4-1.
The Blues were quickly able to extend their lead to 5-1. Off of an assist by Oskar Sundqvist, Ivan Barbashev scored on an empty net with 2:15 left in the game.
The Blues won the game, winning the Western Conference.
Gloria played once again, carrying the Western Conference champions into the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Blues are now headed to the Stanley Cup Finals to play the Boston Bruins. This will be the Blues’ first time in the Stanley Cup Finals since 1970. Last time the Blues were in the finals, they lost to the Bruins. Hopefully the Blues will be able to turn that around and beat the Bruins this time.
The Stanley Cup Finals begin on Monday in Boston.
