Dallas at St. Louis

A young Dallas team is not strong on defense and now the pressure is on, down 3-2 after blowing home ice again the last game, a 4-1 loss. Dallas is #19 in the NHL in goals allowed. Dallas forward Tyler Seguin (lower body) isn't making the trip to St. Louis, while forward Patrick Eaves (leg) is banged up. The Dallas offense has scored just 10 goals in five games. St. Louis is a powerhouse on defense, fourth in goals allowed and second in penalty killing. Goalie Brian Elliott had a dominant regular season and is having a great postseason. The Blues are on a 21-9 run and have contained this Dallas offense all year, winning nine of the last 12 meetings. The Blues are at their best with relentless forechecking and physical play counteracting a faster opponent, a strategy that has worked against Dallas. St. Louis has had standing-room crowds throughout the playoffs, and this shapes up as a defensive win for the home team. Play St. Louis and UNDER the total.