How will the Blues beat the Stars?

Some Blues fans are still shivering from Round 1 and the Chicago Blackhawks, but it's time to put it behind us for a while. Now it's Dallas, and here's how we're going to win.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Take advantage of the Stars' defense
It' not a secret... the Stars are an offensive team. With their struggling goalies and subpar defensemen—room to bicker, there—the Blues need to pounce on them... Early.

While the Hawks limited our shots due to their incredible defensive lineup, the Blues will be able to get-off more shots in this series. It is important for them to capitalize on this early (in Game 1) so they make a statement. I think once they adjust to the "team-swap", they'll do just fine.

Light the lamp
Twelve different Blues players scored goals in Round 1. That's a pretty cool stat. It shows us that the Blues will pounce on the puck with all four lines—one of the reasons Hitchcock doesn't match lineups. While Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz will need to stay hot, forwards like Alexander Steen, Patrik Berglund, and Paul Stastny could make the difference in this series. If we get contribution from the whole team, we will win.

As I always say, "We'll win this game if we can score more goals than the other team".

2nd Periods
Hey, you know how we let teams back into the game in the second period? Let's not do that.

NO MERCY
The Stars aren't a physical team. If the Blues land the 70 hits that Hitch wanted against the Hawks, the Stars will be limping to the morning skate before Game 2. The physicality will also set the tone of the series.

I remember playing the Wild in the first round last year. The Blues, like always, were a physical team. However, since the Wild didn't have any big enforcers or hitters, the series was somewhat of a disappointment since we didn't get to see the rough team we loved in the regular season.

Seguin
Tyler Seguin's injury is something that is important to consider, too. The Blues did a great job capitalizing on Duncan Keith's absence in Game 1. In a similar situation, they need to come out strong while the Stars are missing their second best player. Shut down Spezza/Benn and you're set (IMO). 

Those are just a few things that come-to-mind when I think about how we can survive another round. Let me know what you think. What did I miss?

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P.J. Cox
​@pjcoxx