2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (C2) Minnesota Wild vs. (C3) St. Louis Blues

While starting in Minnesota, it was St. Louis who opened that series scoring (thanks to Vladimir Sobotka). The Wild started to pour it on, but it wasn't until the late minute of the third when Zach Parise scored to tie the game and forced overtime. The game ended late into the fourth period, with Vladimir Tarasenko doing the work and Joel Edmundson finishing the play. The Wild took control in Game 2, but it was the Blues who again scored first. The Wild did tie the game, this time late in the second period. Despite the Wild's best efforts, they could not get anything by Jake Allen. Jaden Schwartz's goal late in the third was enough, as St. Louis won another game by the score of 2-1. Game 3 in St. Louis saw the home team strike early and keep up the attack. Minnesota did tie the game in the second, but St. Louis scored moments later to retake the lead. From there it was much of the same, with the Wild controlling the puck while the Blues hung on. An empty netter capped off the game, as St. Louis needed one more win to move on. Facing elimination, Minnesota started out on the attack and kept it up. Their efforts led to Charlie Coyle scoring late in the first period. Martin Hanzal added one in the second, and Devan Dubnyk stopped 28 of 28 shots, as the Wild shut out the Blues 2-0 to starve off elimination. Game 5 saw St. Louis build up a two-goal lead in the first before Minnesota managed to get one back before the period ended. Paul Stastny's third period goal extended the Blues lead. The Wild's offense started firing soon after, as they potted two goals to tie the game. Overtime lasted about 10 minutes, with Magnus Paajarvi scoring to end the series. Jake Allen was the star for the St. Louis Blues, as his play helped them finish off the Minnesota Wild in five games.

Games

St. Louis Blues 2 - Minnesota Wild 1 (OT)
St. Louis Blues 2 - Minnesota Wild 1
Minnesota Wild 1 - St. Louis Blues 3
Minnesota Wild 2 - St. Louis Blues 0
St. Louis Blues 4 - Minnesota Wild 3 (OT)

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. Uh, Boudreau may want to rethink this quote (although, it is amazing that his team won that game).
2. Seriously, when did Jake Allen turn into Ken Dryden?
3. (Goes to last year's post, CTRL+C, CTRL+V) Poor Bruce Boudreau.

Picture of the Series

Again, Jake Fricken Allen! (There are better pictures, but this one will work)

Highlight of the Series

The Blues overtime goal in the first game was nice. Tarasenko does the work, Edmundson streaks in and finishes the play.