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St. Louis Blues: Keep the Foot on the Pedal

By Steven McNeil

Apr 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (not pictured) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (not pictured) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /
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The St. Louis Blues have a 3-1 lead on the Chicago Blackhawks and now is not the time to let up. It is time to put the pedal to the floor and not let them back in this series.

Tuesday night was a great night, the St. Louis Blues overcame the referees trying to hand the game to the Blackhawks and beat the Blackhawks in regulation at the United Center for the second straight game.

This is incredible. The Blackhawks have been nearly unbeatable at home over the course of their strong run and the Blues have beat them there three games in a row now going back to the regular season.

I was in shock Tuesday night when the Blues overcame all of the silly penalties and managed to not only put the Blackhawks on the ropes in the series but also get under the skin of the Blackhawks (especially Andrew Shaw). Things sure seem a bit different for this team this year, as last season this team would have had their head down and probably would have left Chicago 2-2. 

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The time is now for this team to finally meet their expectations. The time is now for them to overcome a tough first round opponent. To overcome all of those “haters” that constantly doubt the team.

This team can’t sit back tonight, they have to be as aggressive as they have been if not more. The Blackhawks will be on their best game tonight, and you can guarantee that.

Joel Quenneville has changed things up ahead of this big game already, as he has put together Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane again, proving that he is willing to do anything to get his team a win tonight and get them one more game at home.

Vladimir Tarasenko has been amazing in this series and he has to continue to do so tonight. He has to find space to get that wicked wrister off, as when in the right spot Corey Crawford has no chance against him.

Alex Pietrangelo has got to continue to be the defensive wizard he has been all series long. The one thing I want to see change is I want to see the defense we saw all season, where we saw the Blues limit teams to low shot counts.

We cannot see the Blues allow 40+ shots again, while Brian Elliott has been a beast in net, they need to limit their opportunities tonight, because Chicago will be ready to pounce.

What we won’t see tonight is the Blues fold under pressure, we won’t see them hang their head at any time tonight. This team knows the opportunity ahead of them and I fully expect them to play like it tonight.

Next: Blues/Blackhawks is Reminiscent of the Past

The Scottrade Center will be rocking tonight, as tonight is one of the best opportunities they’ve had in years. Tonight we could see the defending champions go down at the hands of our St. Louis Blues. If you are fortunate enough to go to the game, do your part and make that place loud! LET’S GO BLUES!!

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