Game One-- Los Angeles at St. Louis -- April 28, 2012

A team that seems destined for a long run through the playoffs and a team that upset the plans of the league champions, both offer up intriguing possibilities as they head into their round two battles, both the Kings and Blues somewhat similar in their outlook if not their scoring output.

The Blues have climbed to the top reaches of the NHL West, a young ambitious team with lots of upside finally getting a reward for a bit of rebuilding.  The Kings, having knocked off the Canucks looking to extend their run this playoff year into a round three and maybe beyond.

Both have strong line ups similar in make up, both have a good defensive corps that seem to rise to challenges and as we've seen in round one, both have no worries on the goal line, regardless of who takes to the net.

All the ingredients for an interesting series that could very well go the distance.

Game One-- Los Angeles 3 at St. Louis 1  


Series is tied at 0 game each


Previews and Reviews

POST GAME

St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Kings serve notice they're a royal pain
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Blues fall in Game 1 and lose Pietrangelo
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Backes looks for balance
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Pietrangelo injury tough blow for Blues
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- NHL's explanation on Pietrangelo hit
Los Angeles Times-- It's plodder's day for Kings' Matt Greene
Los Angeles Times-- Defense answers for Kings in series opening win
Los Angeles Times-- Kings win series opener at St. Louis, 3-1
Los Angeles Daily News-- If we know anything about these Kings, it's to expect the ...
Los Angeles Daily News-- Behind Quick, L. A. takes opener, improves to 5-1 postseason
Globe and Mail-- Kings beat Blues to take series opener
National Post-- Jonathan Quick continues to roll in Kings' series-opening win over Blues



PRE GAME

St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Backes grows into his role as Blues captain
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- We've not yet seen the best of Steen
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Halak out at least two more games
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Fans again aren't' a league's priority
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Blues ready for Round 2
St. Louis Post Dispatch-- Kings will be more aggressive on penalty kill
Los Angeles Times-- Kings and Blues can't help but like each other
Los Angeles Times-- Kings' and Blues' coaches have a lot in common
Los Angeles Times-- Kings' Jonathan Quick views for Vezina Trophy for top goaltender
Los Angeles Daily News-- GM Lombardi makes the right moves
Los Angeles Daily News-- Time to look forward, not back
Los Angeles Daily News-- Kings' Quick up for award as league's top goalie
Globe and Mail-- Kings know winning is a must in LA
Globe and Mail-- Lakers and Clippers and Kings, oh my!
Globe and Mail-- Darryl Sutter helps restore Kings' lustre
Globe and Mail-- Blues say Halak will miss first two games against Kings
National Post-- Blues savouring first playoff win in decade