Tarasenko, Blues Dismantle Wild 6-1 to Even Series

bluesST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and the revived St. Louis Blues sent Minnesota goalie Devan Dubnyk to an early exit and thoroughly dominated the Wild in a 6-1 victory in Game 4 to even the Western Conference quarterfinal series Wednesday night.

Kevin Shattenkirk had three assists and Jake Allen made 17 saves to help the Blues end a nine-game postseason road losing streak that lasted more than three years.

Patrik Berglund had a goal and an assist, and David Backes and Paul Stastny scored for the first time in the series. So did fourth-line right wing Ryan Reaves, whose one-timer from the point got past Dubnyk’s glove to give the Blues the early lead. By the middle of the first period, they were 3-0 after being shut out in Game 3.

Jared Spurgeon’s power-play goal early in the second period gave the Wild and their fans some life. But less than 2 minutes later, Stastny snapped a shot on the rush from the circle on Dubnyk’s right that slipped between the goalie’s pads. Dubnyk gave up six goals on 17 shots and was pulled with 3:10 left in the second period.

Game 5 is in St. Louis on Friday night.

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