NHL Playoffs: Sharks vs. Blues Game 1 recap, full highlights

The St. Louis Blues were able to defend their home ice advantage in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals by beating the San Jose Sharks 2-1. 

In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri, the Blues were able to defend their home ice with an impressive 2-1 win over the visiting Sharks. The Blues got goals from their captain David Backes and forward Jori Lehtera, who scored the game winning goal in the second period. San Jose got a goal from Tomas Hertl that was originally credited to Joe Pavelski.

The Blues used a strong first period and a masterful performance by goaltender Brian Elliott to win in Game 1. St. Louis dominated the game in the first 20 minutes but struggled to generate offense over the next 40 minutes. Thanks to Elliott, two goals is all that they needed to score. Sharks goaltender Martin Jones didn’t have his best game as he allowed a very weak goal to Lehtera. He will have to rebound in Game 2. San Jose outshot the Blues but couldn’t find a way to get pucks past Elliott.

Pavelski led the way for the Sharks with seven shots on goal and an assist. San Jose defenseman Brent Burns had an assist and three shots on goal. Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and forward Jaden Schwartz picked up the assists on Backes’ goal.

Three stars

Elliott was outstanding in net for the Blues. He accounted for 31 saves on 32 shots on goal. The Blues won despite being significantly outshot. Elliott was undeniably a huge reason for that.

Lehtera scored the game-winning blues for the Blues in the second period.

Pavelski was amazing on both ends of hte ice.

Highlights

Next Game

The Sharks trail the Blues 1-0 in the series. Game 2 is on Tuesday.

For more coverage of the NHL Playoffs, make sure to check out our NHL hub page.