Sports

Blues think they're ready for another shot at Stanley Cup champion Kings

Associated Press
Published | Updated

St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott, center, is congratulated by teammates Jaden Schwartz (9) and Jay Bouwmeester (19) after the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, April 27, 2013 in St. Louis. The Blues beat the Blackhawks 3-1. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam) (The Associated Press)

FILE - Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) deflects a shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit, in this April 24, 2013 file photo. Quick and the Kings are hoping to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, the first since Detroit won consecutive times in 1997 and 1998. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File) (The Associated Press)

The St. Louis Blues are getting yet another shot at the Los Angeles Kings.

Los Angeles beat the Blues during its run to the Stanley Cup championship last season and swept St. Louis this season.

Coach Ken Hitchcock likes his team's chances. The Blues have won 12 of their last 15 with a mix of stingy goaltending, tight checking and just enough offense.

St. Louis won its last six at home to claim the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The Kings were the first No. 8 seed to win the Cup last year and begin their bid for a repeat as a well-respected No. 5. Game 1 is Tuesday night in St. Louis.