2 Goals In Third By Kings Evens Series At 2

The St. Louis Blues looked to be a team on a mission when game 4 opened up in Los Angeles, but it would be the Kings who got the last laugh netting 2 third period goals to get the win 4-3 and even the series. 

The first period was the epitome of what Blues' fans have been waiting for all series on an offensive front. David Backes opened up the scoring just 1:12 in to the first period as he banked a shot off of Jonathan Quick and in to the net. Just a few minutes later it was T.J. Oshie's turn on the powerplay on a sweet deflection from a shot from defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. 

The Blues seemed to be rolling, until an odd man break got the Kings on the board with a goal at 9:33 from Jeff Carter, and then the tieing goal on a 3 on 1 by Dustin Penner later in the first period. 

It seemed a series that was so set on defense, suddenly turned in to a scoring fest for both teams. The Blues who had seemed to be having issues hitting the net, were now capitalizing on tough angled shots. T.J. Oshie roofed a wrist shot from the side of the net over Jonathan Quick to regain the lead for the Blues at 5:46 of the second period. The second period would end with the Blues leading the Los Angeles Kings 3-2.

The Blues seemed to be weathering the storm in the third period, holding off the Kings and maintaining their 1 goal lead, until a pass from the corner to Anze Kopitar tied the game at 3. The Blues did not have much time to recover, before Justin Williams netted what would end up being the game winner for the Kings just 1:16 later. That would be all the Kings would need to even the series with the Blues at 2-2.

The Blues who played well for the first period and a half, started to seem a little sloppy about halfway through the second period. Holes began opening up in the defense, and the Kings seemed to be controlling much of the puck possession for the latter parts of the game. Passes also seemed to be missing the mark, and the players seemed to be a step off of each other.

The Blues who now return to Scottrade for game 5, look to regain their series lead in front of the energetic fans of St. Louis. Blues goaltender Brian Elliot, who had 25 saves in game 4, will hope to get a little more help from the men in front. Many of the goals scored, came from odd man breaks.

What was great to see from the Blues was their ability to capitalize on open opportunities, something they seemed to have trouble with in the first 3 games. They were not just scoring, but they were scoring on challenging shots. The Blues were also able to net a powerplay goal early in the game thanks to a nice deflection by T.J. Oshie, who had 2 goals on the evening.

I still think the Blues are in command of the series, despite dropping the previous two. They have shown great energy at home, where the next 2 of 3 will be played. Elliott continues to stand on his head for the Blues, giving them a chance to win every game.

Tarasenko, who made his first playoff appearance in his young career only registered 5:51 of ice time, but may see more in game 5. By far one of the best players for the Blues has been Jaden Schwartz who's puck cycling, possession and scoring opportunities has sparked the team when he's on the ice. Expect him to maybe see a little more ice time, if he continues his pressure and fore-checking. 

The puck drops for game 5 at 8PM central time at Scottrade Center, and it can be seen on Fox Sports Midwest locally. 

Do you think the Blues will regain their series lead, or has Los Angeles sparked enough momentum to take the series. Also, who do you think has been the best player for the Blues so far in this series? Leave your comments below and let me know what you think.