The St. Louis Blues advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018-19, with a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, winning the series in six games.
Ryan O’Reilly netted his fifth goal of the playoffs. He had eight points in six postseason games.
On Thursday, Vladimir Tarasenko scored his fifth goal of the series. The Blues won the series with two goals from Nick Leddy, Tyler Bozak, and Colton Parayko.
“It was a tough, tough struggle,” remarked Bozak. “That’s a great squad over there.” It’s a shame we have to play in the first round of the playoffs. It was two of the best teams in the West, and they deserve a lot of credit for their performance.”
The Blues (49-22-11) finished 0.33 in the Central Division throughout the regular season. The Blues won their first Stanley Cup in club history the last time they qualified for the second round.
The Wild started Cam Talbot instead of Marc-Andre Fleury, whom they acquired on the trade deadline. Talbot halted 22 of 26 photographs.
“This is one of the unique groups I’ve ever worked with,” Talbot added. “We’re truly constructing something here. So, as much as it stings right now, I’m proud of the players and how we fought all season.”
The Blues will face the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. The Avalanche won the season series 2–0.
