Stars beat Blues to send series to Game 7

[May 10, 2016]  (The Sports Xchange) - Lindy Ruff knew his Dallas Stars needed to do two things on Monday if they wanted to force a Game 7 in their second-round series against the St. Louis Blues instead of going home for the summer.

Stars center Mattias Janmark (13) and St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) tangle during the second period in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The coach knew his team needed a quick start, taking the home crowd out of the game. And he also knew Kari Lehtonen needed to have a good game in goal.

Consider both met.

As a result of Dallas' 3-2 win, the series between the two teams that finished two points apart in the regular season will be decided in Game 7 on Wednesday in Dallas, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference final.

The Stars jumped on Brian Elliott for three goals on their first seven shots, including goals by Mattias Janmark and Vernon Fiddler, celebrating his 36th birthday, in a span of 20 seconds 5:13 into the game.

A power-play goal from Jason Spezza, his first goal of the series, later in the period increased the lead to 3-0 and chased Elliott -- who had allowed only 10 goals on 158 shots in the first five games -- from the net.

He was replaced by Jake Allen, making his first appearance of the playoffs.

"We took advantage of some early opportunities," Ruff said. "We got the start we wanted."

Lehtonen took over after that, stopping 35 of 37 shots by the Blues, who outshot the Stars 37-14 in the game. The shots in the second period were 14-5 in favor of the Blues and 14-2 in the third period, but Lehtonen did not falter.

The Blues did score once in each period, through Alexander Steen and Patrik Berglund, but could not come up with the tying goal.

"Today he stood tall for us," Ruff said of Lehtonen. "In the playoffs, goalies have to win you games sometimes. Just flip the script about how well Elliott played in the previous game and change the name to Lehtonen.

"Elliott made six or seven great saves in our building to keep the game where it was at."

Lehtonen knew what to expect after the Blues fell behind so quickly, the first time they have trailed at the end of the first period in 13 playoff games.

"It changes the game a little bit," Lehtonen said. "We knew they were going to take more risks. We didn't have to score anymore, so we tried to play a more defensive game.

"I knew they were going to have a good push. It worked out today. I know it wasn't pretty but it was good enough."

The Blues did not place any blame for the poor start on Elliott, with coach Ken Hitchcock preferring to talk about the missed chances the team had on offense.

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