Blues Knock Off Oilers with Workman-like Performance

Dr.Sens(e)

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Feb 27, 2002
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(AP) Edmonton: The Blues put on the hard hats for this one.

In a rematch from last year’s thrilling first round series that went seven games, the Blues emerged victorious once again over the Oilers, this time with a much more efficient and less dramatic four games to one victory.

The Blues ended the series in Edmonton when veteran Steve Yzerman broke a 2-2 tie with off a tic-tac-toe passing play with linemates Sergei Samsonov and Vincent Lecavalier.

The Blues now await their second round opponent along with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who finished off the Chicago Blackhawks in five games as well. It is looking more and more likely to be their long-time rival, the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings upset the Blues in the 2nd round three years ago, four games to three.

For the most part, the Oilers were able to keep the Blues top two lines in check through out the series and in the end, the Blues won out thanks to their stellar defensive play and contributions from the checking lines.

While the Oilers were the higher seed, several experts and observers had predicted a Blues win in the series, albeit, most expected it to go six or seven games.

While the top line two lines contributed just two goals during the five games (one a piece for Craig Conroy and Joe Thornton), the third and fourth lines tallied six goals (three a piece). Meanwhile, the Blues defensive corps chipped in with three goals themselves, while limiting the Oilers to a mere seven goals in five games.

“Well, I think it’s safe to say we’ll need to produce a bit more in the next round if we hope to advance to the conference finalsâ€, said Thornton, who watched line mate Daniel Alfredsson get continually stymied by Oilers goaltender Evgeni Nabakov through out the series. Alfredsson finished with a series high 16 shots, but no goals.

“But it was great to see our checking lines come through.â€

The series loss proved disappointing for an Oilers team, who had shocked many in the HFNHL by winning their division with 100+ point season.

“They are a great young team and we were very fortunate to close things out in five games†said General Manager Nick Quain.

“I think it’s clear to everyone who watched this series it was a close one and they are a team that will contend for the Cup in coming seasonsâ€

The Blues will take a day off and return for practice on Monday while awaiting their next opponent. Tickets for round two also go on sale Monday.
 
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Pandastyle

Registered User
"We knew going in this was going to be a tough series, St. Louis is a much better team than most saw during the regular season..." said Gledhill.

Management out of St. Louis has graciously called this match-up "a close one", but this observer didn't see it that way. Nabokov was outstanding in net, but few others on the team produced. The Oilers scored 7 goals in the series, with the 1st line (Smyth-Weight-Selanne) scoring only 2, and star winger Martin Havlat managing only one.

Some changes are already being rumored for next years team. Rob Niedermayer, after contract talks were stopped months ago, appears to be on his way out. As is Dave Andreychuk (who didn't play a single game in the series due to suspension), who has finally decided to hang up the skates. Taking their places will most likely be up-and-comer Ales Hemsky, and Alexander Steen.
 

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