from Craig Custance of ESPN,

A series that has been equal parts entertaining and unpredictable comes to a close starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Dallas. Here’s what to watch for as the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars try to end each other’s season in Game 7:

• Stars coach Lindy Ruff met with his team Wednesday and reminded them that they have to play this game with the same risk-taking instincts that have been so successful all season. He doesn’t want his team playing conservative hockey just because it’s Game 7. The Stars are a high-risk team and have to remain so tonight.

“The situations I’m talking about aren’t the careless ones where we’re giving up breakaways and two-on-ones. The high risk I’m talking about is the gap up, is playing those crucial one-on-ones, where you’re going to trust a guy so we can stay in,” Ruff said Wednesday morning. “That’s the risk we need in our game … Let’s contest the ice. Don’t back off.”

Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said the Stars are dangerous when everyone is on the same page and playing with the same level of liability. They become vulnerable when they aren't.

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