St. Louis at Minnesota

St. Louis opens the series on the road and won't have veteran center Paul Stastny (foot) to start the series. They face a talented Minnesota team that is second in goals scored, ninth on the power play, seventh in goals allowed, and eighth in penalty killing. Minnesota is 27-11 against the Western Conference. Minnesota got over its late season slump winning the last four games by a 17-9 count. They've also won six in row playing on three or more days rest, plus are 20-8 after allowing two goals or less in their previous game. Back Minnesota.