Veteran Mats Sundin finally paid a dividend, deflecting a harmless wing shot down and through the pads of Chris Mason. This was his first playoff goal since 2004.

(Old friend Pavol Demitra created the play, which appeared harmless until the end.)

This make-your-own-break goal came a few minutes after Andy McDonald hit his second crossbar of the game, this time with a wicked wrist shot from out high.

Talk about a game of inches . . .

After Sundin’s goal, B.J. Crombeen put Vancouver on the power play. This was dangerous, but the Blues managed to get out of the period without suffering further damage.

Both teams were created opportunities around the goal in this period. Both defenses played strong around the crease, though, and both goaltenders were very sharp.

Now the Blues have some heavy lifting to do in the third period. They need to stay out of the penalty box and they need to create more chances like the two David Backes had right in front of Luongo earlier in the second period.

Trouble is, Vancouver is a veteran team that has really cleaned up its defensive play. And don’t expect the referees to do a whole lot in the third period, unless a riot breaks out.