W2W4: St. Louis Blues at San Jose Sharks, Game 3

4:14 PM ET

SAN JOSE, Calif. — After the San Jose Sharks outplayed the St. Louis Blues for the first two games of the Western Conference finals in St. Louis, the series — which is tied 1-1 — shifts to San Jose for Game 3. The game will go a long way in determining if the Blues are up to the task of beating the Sharks. Here’s what to watch for in Game 3, which begins at 9 p.m. ET Thursday in San Jose:

• Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wouldn’t detail the adjustments he’s making to his lineup, but he did promise changes for Game 3. It’s a real possibility that forward Magnus Paajarvi will draw into the lineup in place of Steve Ott on the Blues’ fourth line. Paajarvi — who hasn’t played yet this postseason and but who had nine points in 48 regular-season games — would add speed and skill to the mix.

“That would be cool if that would happen,” Paajarvi said of making his playoff debut. “I would try to keep it as simple as I can if I get in, and give them hell.”

Another option for St. Louis could be Dmitrij Jaskin, who scored a goal against the Stars last round. Jaskin wouldn’t tip his hand after the morning skate, saying he didn’t know if he was in or not.

He said the Blues have to work hard to create more space against the Sharks than they have so far in this series.

“They skate well, they check well,” Jaskin said. “[They are] just trying to put as many guys as they can in …

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