Stars, Blues clash in Game 7 with berth in Stanley Cup’s final four at stake

Blues at Stars

7 p.m. Wednesday, American Airlines Center, Dallas

TV: NBCSN

Radio: KTCK/1310 AM and 96.7 FM

Series: Best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal tied 3-3

About the Blues: Since coming into the NHL in 1967, St. Louis is 6-8 in playoff Game 7s. This will be the Blues’ second in less than three weeks. In the opening round of these playoffs, the Blues defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7 at St. Louis. The Blues could have avoided going the distance in this round but lost their last two at home, including Monday’s 3-2 loss in Game 6 when St. Louis outshot Dallas 37-14. Goalie Brian Elliott was pulled 17 minutes into Monday’s loss after allowing three goals on seven shots. He’s expected to start Wednesday.

About the Stars: Home ice for Game 7. That is the benefit of having the conference’s best record. But home hasn’t been so sweet in this series as the road team has won four of six games, including the last three. The Stars are 2-2 in playoff Game 7s since moving to Dallas in 1993. Their most recent Game 7 was a 2007 loss at Vancouver in the first round. Their last home Game 7 was a win over Colorado in May 2000. The winner of this series will open at home in the Western Conference Finals against the survivor of Thursday’s Game 7 between Nashville and San Jose. The Stars were 4-1 against Nashville and 2-0 against San Jose in the regular season. St. Louis was 4-1 against Nashville and 1-2 against San Jose. Goalie Kari Lehtonen drew praise from coaches and players after stopping 35 shots Monday, including 26 in the final two periods.

This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 8:51 PM with the headline "Stars, Blues clash in Game 7 with berth in Stanley Cup’s final four at stake."