from Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News,

"Ben Bishop was the best player in the game tonight," Stars coach Jim Montgomery said. "I thought the Blues were the better team than we were tonight, but Ben Bishop was the difference. He's been the difference for us many times this year."

The Vezina Trophy finalist was marvelous in perhaps the final game of the season in his hometown, shutting down and stonewalling and frustrating the Blues on his way to 38 saves. Bishop held the game tight when St. Louis got out in transition and he kept the Blues at bay as the Stars protected a two-goal, then one-goal, lead.

In the first period, he stopped Brayden Schenn on a chance, then Alexander Steen off the rush and Robert Thomas in the slot. He helped the Stars navigate four power-play chances and delivered the type of performance the Stars franchise has come to expect out of Bishop, even after an uncharacteristic mishandle of the puck ended in his own net.

"We weren't worried on the bench when the puck went in," Montgomery said. "The saves he made on the penalty kill right after were incredible. He's just someone who responds. He's our brick wall back there."

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