The set-up: The Blues were down 2-1 in the early third period of Game 2 and in danger of falling into an 0-2 hole by losing two in a row at home. However, Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice as St. Louis rallied for a 3-2 victory, making the series one-all heading into Sunday's Game 3 at the Nashville Predators. The eighth-seeded Predators lost for the first time this playoff season, after five consecutive victories (three on the road).

St. Louis: Tarasenko had a team-high 39 goals this season (scored 40 in 2015-16) but had been limited to one goal and two assists before breaking loose in Game 2. Goaltender Jake Allen also came up big when it mattered most, making 14 saves in the final 20 minutes after facing only nine shots in the first two periods. However, the Blues need to improve their power play, as it is just 2-for-21 in seven postseason games.

Nashville: The Predators gave St. Louis five power play opportunities, without having one of their own in Game 2. Clean that up and the team will be in much better shape in Game 3. Nashville has reason to feel it still has its best hockey ahead, as the Predators out-shot the Blues in both contests and have outhit them as well.

The pick: "Good situation, 1-1," Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne told reporters after the loss. "It's a series. Obviously going home now and a huge game at home on Sunday. It's going to be a big one, but yeah we're in a good situation." Every road team talks about the need to earn a split in the first two games of a series in order to steal home-ice advantage and Nashville did just. However the Predators must feel somewhat empty after that late St. Louis comeback. Note that the Blues have been a better road team in the last two postseasons, going 6-4 last spring and 3-0 this year. Make St. Louis a 10* play.