W2W4: Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues, Game 6

3:01 PM ET

ST. LOUIS — It took three cracks for the St. Louis Blues to finally eliminate the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round. Now, in Game 6 of Round 2, they get their first shot at ending the Dallas Stars’ season. Here’s what to watch for as the Stars and Blues square off once again tonight at 8 p.m. ET in St. Louis:

• It looks like Dallas will get a boost from the return of forward Patrick Eaves, who participated fully at the morning skate. Stars coach Lindy Ruff called Eaves a gametime decision, but every indication suggests he’ll be ready to go.

His biggest impact will be on the Stars power play, a group that has really struggled in this series against a dominant Blues penalty kill. Dallas is 1-for-16 on the power play this series and that’s been a major reason the Stars are on the brink of elimination.

Eaves plays the middle on the Stars power play, and Dallas defenseman Alex Goligoski believes he does it as well as anyone in the league.

“He’s so good in the middle,” Goligoski said. “I don’t think there’s anyone better in the league in the middle of the ice on the power play. He’s so good at knowing where to put the puck, the positions to get in. You get so much more zone time.”

Eaves also keeps the defenders honest, having to respect his spot in the middle and not cheat defensively on Patrick Sharp, Jason Spezza or John Klingberg.

If he plays it’ll be a new dynamic the Blues haven’t …

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