The St. Louis Blues are ready. How could they not be? It's Game 7.
The winner Wednesday in Dallas goes on in the best tournament in sports, and Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo can't wait.
"This is what we play for, games like this, where we have the opportunity to show up on a big stage," he said, according to Chris Pinkert from the team's website. "I think all the guys in the locker room are thinking the same thing. I expect a big effort from us."
It's the second straight Game 7 for St. Louis after they eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks by going the distance in the first round.
The Blues have been through a lot this season, dealing with myriad injuries yet still thriving. And it's that resiliency they must channel Wednesday, according to head coach Ken Hitchcock.
"(The group) was built through adversity," he said. "It's a really proud group. I would be awful shocked if you didn't get our A-game. ... This is a chance to knock off some really good hockey teams to get a chance to play in the conference finals. Our guys should be pumped up to do it."
Also working in the Blues favor: They're 6-2 in their last eight games in Dallas, and this will be the first Game 7 for the Stars at American Airlines Center. Pressure's on them.
The teams have played three Game 7s before - the Blues own a 2-1 lead, with all three games going to overtime.
Nobody will be complaining if the fourth does.
