A win is a win. Even if it’s ugly, and believe me the Blues’ win in Game 1 was ugly, it still counts.
Here are some thoughts from the first game of the first round.
Brian Elliott
He has received a ton of praise for his performance and all of it is deserved. For long stretches he was the only skater for the Blues putting in a playoff effort. The final score could have had a crooked number for the Blackhawks by the third period had he not stood tall.
One note though: Be a bit more careful when playing the puck. Some really precarious situations could have been avoided.
Shooting Accuracy
The Blues registered 18 shots in Game 1. That total is pretty lousy, but it’s worth noting they had 22 other efforts blocked and 20 which missed the target. The Blues have to figure out a way to get pucks on goal and through to Corey Crawford.
Tarasenko
Shoot. The. Puck. Enough said.
Robby Fabbri
Where the hell did this come from?
Parayko
Did anyone else think the end was near when Parayko flung the puck over the glass to start OT? The broadcast was just praising the rookie defenseman … and then he picks up a delay of game penalty. Thankfully, the PK again stood strong.
Sea of Blue
Credit to Blues fans for filling the arena. Previous playoff games against Chicago featured way too much red in the seats. Not in Game 1.
Steen
As usual, Steen shined and was incredible on the PK and during 5-on-5 placing pressure on the Blackhawks. Few can disrupt a team’s offense or breakout as well as he can.
Brouwer/Stastny/Fabbri
The best line of the night. This trio could be the difference which propels the Blues beyond the first round. As these three go, so too will the Blues.
Creativity & Chemistry
The Blues showed off some nice creative attacks early in the game but that soon disappeared as Chicago adjusted. The Blues then went to a strategy where they carried the puck into the zone and then looked outside. Credit to the Blackhawks for keeping things sealed off, but the Blues needed to adapt quicker.
Turnovers
This is obvious, but the Blues need to cut down on the easy giveaways. If the opponent is repeatedly picking your pocket as you try to enter the zone, try something different.
Looking Ahead
Game 2 will need a better overall effort from the Blues. A lot was asked of Elliott in Game 1. While he rose to the occasion, he’s going to need more help.
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