If the St. Louis Blues underestimated the Dallas Stars, they learned a big lesson in Game 1.
"I think there's a realization that this is a better team than anybody we've played," admitted head coach Ken Hitchcock.
This comes on the heels of the Blues' seven-game opening-round series win over the Chicago Blackhawks, who happened to be the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Still, the Stars finished the season in first place in the highly competitive Central Division, and proved to be a formidable foe Friday, even without the services of injured center Tyler Seguin.
Hitchcock added the Blues will have to step up accordingly.
Hitch (1/2): "Nothing to take away from Chicago, but this is a better team, (CONT) #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) April 30, 2016
Hitch (2/2): "(CONT) ... and we're going to have to be even better than we were against Chicago if we expect to win." #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) April 30, 2016
Dallas took Game 1 by a score of 2-1, with Game 2 set for Sunday.
