4 Things Blues Must Correct From Game 1 to Avoid Boston Domination

The St. Louis Blues jumped out on top in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins, scoring the first two goals of the game. In a stunning turnaround, the Bruins then scored four straight goals and won 4-2 to go up 1-0 in the series. The Blues have a bunch of things to tighten up before Game 2 in order to even up the series, and avoid heading back home in a major hole.

4. Be More Disciplined

The Blues actually got lucky in a way, being that the game could have been a whole lot uglier if the Bruins power play was better. With five penalties, St. Louis cannot afford to be shorthanded for 10 minutes of the game, especially with a lethal unit going against them. If the Blues can stay disciplined, they'll have a much better chance of evening up the series at 1-1.

3. Better Transition Play

St. Louis struggled to enter the Boston zone almost all game, especially on the two power plays that they had. The Blues would get stood up at the Bruins blue line and find themselves chasing the puck back into their own zone. Some of it may have been nerves, considering the only Stanley Cup Final experience comes from David Perron who played for the Vegas Golden Knights last season. Regardless the Blues must improve their breakout, transitions, and break-ins to even have a chance not only in Game 2, but in the series.

2. Be More Direct

After the first period, the shots were even at 8-8 with the Blues being up by one goal. The second period was where St. Louis fell apart, only getting three shots on goal in 20 minutes. They then followed that effort up with nine shots in the third, and ended the game being outshot 38-20. The Blues are not going to beat Tuukka Rask with only 20 shots a game, and much of that was due to poor execution in Boston's zone.

1. Keep Your Foot on the Gas

The Blues took a 2-0 lead just one minute in to the second period after a turnover deep in the Boston zone which led to a Vladimir Tarasenko goal. After that goal, they had absolutely nothing going for them as if they thought the game was over. The Bruins outshot them 18-3 in the second period, and evened up the game heading into the third. The Blues cannot let up on the Bruins when they have a lead, as they found out the hard way in Game 1.