ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues struck first in the Western Conference finals, hanging on to beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1 in Game 1.
How it happened: After a strong first period, the Blues were outplayed by the Sharks for healthy stretches the rest of the game. A strong penalty kill and goaltending helped put the Blues up 1-0 in this series.
Goalie Brian Elliott carried the Blues at times in this one, especially in the second period with the Sharks outshooting St. Louis 16-5, but it was St.