Game 4: STL vs SJS – Elliott Leads Blues

With Jaroslav Halak still sidelined with a lower body injury, Blues back-up, and former Senator, Brian Elliott made his second straight start. Niemi started in nets for the Sharks.

Both teams had good chances early on but the goalies were sharp. It wouldn’t take long for the first goal to come though. An unsuspecting BJ Crombeen scored his first career playoff goal to give the Blues a 1-0 lead in the first.

The two goaltenders continued to duel throughout the second,matching save for save. Eventually another one got through. A powerplay opportunity half way through the third allowed blues to double their lead. Andy McDonald picked up his third goal of the post season to add some extra insurance for the blues, who nearly lost a 3 goal lead the previous game. This time two would be enough to win it, though the Sharks did break Elliott’s shutout bid with a minute left in the game. Joe Thornton got one past the screened goaltender to make things a little more interesting in the dying seconds. Blues held on for the 2-1 victory, taking a 3-1 series lead. Niemi finished the night with 22 saves, Elliott with 24.

Game 5 is Saturday at 7:30pm.