Sharks Vs. Blues, Game 4: St. Louis Takes Commanding Series Lead With 2-1 Win

Sharks Vs. Blues, Game 4: Patrick Marleau In Spotlight For All The Wrong Reasons

It's one thing to be scoreless through four games, but a crucial dumb penalty in Game 4 against the St. Louis Blues put San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Sharks Vs. Blues, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: St. Louis Wins 2-1, Takes 3-1 Series Lead

The St. Louis Blues needed to stave off a late rally to get their 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Thursday night. But with it, the Blues lead the series 3-1 and are in position to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs for the first time in a decade.

The Blues began the third period with a 1-0 win, but padded their advantage on the power play a bit more than halfway through the period when Andy McDonald stuffed in the eventual game-winner on a scramble in front of the net.

That goal, McDonald's third of the series, came with assists from Patrik Berglund and David Perron, and was enough cushion for the Blues to absorb Joe Thornton's goal, scored with an extra attacker with just over a minute to go, and hold on to win.

Brian Elliott had 24 saves for the Blues, who head back to St. Louis one win from the Western Conference Semifinals. Game 5 of the series takes place Saturday.

For more on the Blues, visit St. Louis Game Time and SB Nation St. Louis. For more on the Sharks, head to Fear The Fin and SB Nation Bay Area.

Sharks Vs. Blues, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: St. Louis Still One Goal Ahead After Second Period

Game 4 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals series between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks seems to be headed toward a hotly-contested third period. The Blues have the same 1-0 lead after the second period that they enjoyed after the first.

Both goalies have done well to keep the scoring that low. Brian Elliott and Antti Niemi each have 16 saves, but Niemi let a goal by in the first period, accounting for the difference on the scoreboard so far.

And with the teams so close on the scoreboard and in much of the box score, about the only thing separating them is San Jose's penchant for turnovers; the Sharks have nine giveaways through two periods to St. Louis' two.

For more on the Blues, visit St. Louis Game Time and SB Nation St. Louis. For more on the Sharks, head to Fear The Fin and SB Nation Bay Area.

Sharks Vs. Blues, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 4: St. Louis Up 1-0 After First Period

The St. Louis Blues have a chance to go up 3-1 on the San Jose Sharks before returning to their home ice in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. With a 1-0 lead after the first period of Game 4, they're on their way.

B.J. Crombeen netted the goal for the Blues, taking a pass from Patrik Berglund and slipping a shot between Sharks goalie Antti Niemi's legs.

The Blues barely outshot the Sharks, 8-7, and it was St. Louis that had to stave off a power play in the first period. But San Jose's five giveaways dwarfed the Blues' one.

Berglund being involved in St. Louis' offense is a good sign and a theme of this series; he has five points through 12 periods of play.

For more on the Blues, visit St. Louis Game Time and SB Nation St. Louis. For more on the Sharks, head to Fear The Fin and SB Nation Bay Area.

NHL Playoffs 2012, Sharks Vs. Blues Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The St. Louis Blues are on the verge of returning to the second round of the NHL Playoffs for the first time in a decade.