The first meeting between the St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks
at the Savvis Center since the Western Conference quarterfinals had a
playoff feel.

Steve Martins scored a shorthanded goal and Keith Tkachuk added a
power-play tally as the Blues held on for a 3-2 victory over the
Canucks, who had a nine-game unbeaten streak snapped.

There were only two fighting majors, but the second rematch of last
season's first-round series featured several hard hits. St. Louis
center Doug Weight could face NHL discipline after his cross-check on
Henrik Sedin left the Vancouver center bloodied.

"It was not a game we definitely deserved to win," Crawford
said. "They probably had a few more chances than us. They did a
better job with special teams and that was probably the difference in
the game. It was very close, it was a one-goal game. It came down
to the end and we gave a good push but did not solve them."

1st Period Penalties:
B May, Van (major fighting), 13:29;

B May 0 0 +1 1

I guess I spoke too soon. I also see he didn't brake Keither's hand
this time around....