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Blues' Backes: 'They played well. We didn't'

Scott Rovak / National Hockey League / Getty

David Backes kept it simple after the St. Louis Blues' 4-0 loss in Game 2 against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

"They played well. We didn't," the captain said, according to NHL.com's Lou Korac. "We've got to park this one like we've parked every other one in the playoffs and come into San Jose and win a road game."

The Blues' five losses at home in the playoffs are the most in one season in club history, Korac added. The previous record was four, in 1968.

Though the shots were 26-24 in favor of the Blues, the Sharks were in control most of Tuesday night. St. Louis' power play was abysmal, going 0-for-6, while the Sharks went 2-for-4.

"Obviously we have to be better at retrievals," said Alex Steen about a four-minute power play that was at times difficult to watch. "We were getting pucks in the zone and they're getting more guys to areas.

"I thought we let frustration creep in at certain times in the game. That can't happen at this time of year."

Speaking of this time of year, head coach Ken Hitchcock thinks the solution for his team is simple.

"You can either dig in and go the right way or you can become frustrated at times and try freelancing, or, in our case, take penalties," he said.

"We have played two 'B' games," Hitchcock added, also saying he thinks his club's fortunate to be tied heading to California.

Forecheck support is an issue, as is the Sharks' speed, and the Blues will look to video to clean up their game.

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