The Blues host Game 6 of the Western Conference Final against the Sharks on Tuesday with a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1970.
St. Louis took a 3-2 series lead by dismantling the Sharks 5-0 on Sunday in San Jose. Jaden Schwartz recorded a hat trick and goalie Jordan Binnington made 21 saves for his first career playoff shutout. Sharks goalie Martin Jones stopped 35 shots in the loss.
San Jose lost more than just Game 5, it also lost defenseman Erik Karlsson and winger Tomas Hertl for Game 6. Both players didn’t make the trip to St. Louis after not playing in the third period. Captain Joe Pavelski left early in the final frame after taking a hard check and is a game-time decision.
If the Sharks win, Game 7 would be played Thursday in San Jose. The Eastern Conference champion Bruins, who swept the Hurricanes, await the winner of the series.
Tuesday’s schedule
Game 6: Sharks at Blues, 7 p.m. (NBCSN), STL 3-2