from Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch,

To say that the Blues missed an opportunity Monday night would be both an understatement and extremely appropriate.

In spoiling a chance to clinch a trip to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2001, falling 3-2 to Dallas in Game 6 on home ice at Scottrade Center, the Blues missed 19 shots.

Let’s put this in more context: The Blues directed 75 shots on net compared to 25 by the Stars. Their 19 misfires were more than the visitors had on goal, 14.

But while the Blues responded well after spotting Dallas a 3-0 lead, Kari Lehtonen shut the door on their third-period rally, forcing this best-of-seven conference semifinal series to a Game 7.

This will be the second Game 7 the Blues will play in this postseason, following a first-round, series-deciding game against Chicago. They won that one 3-2 at home, but this one will be on the road at American Airlines Center.

“We’ve won twice in their building already,” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I don’t think it matters where you play a Game 7. You get a chance to play it, it’s special. I think our players will be excited. I think they’re disappointed. There’s disappointment and we’ll get over that tomorrow. We’ll get focused and we’ll play really well again.”

read on

Game highlights are below...