NHL: Vancouver 2, St. Louis 1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 16 (UPI) -- Roberto Luongo won a goaltending duel with Chris Mason Wednesday and carried Vancouver to a 2-1 win over St. Louis to open their playoff series.

Vancouver has suffered just one home loss in regulation since Jan. 30 and stayed hot thanks to 23 saves from Luongo, who missed 24 games early in the season due to a groin injury.

Sami Salo's power-play goal 5:11 into the second period gave Vancouver a 2-0 lead and the Canucks went into a defensive posture the rest of the way.

Brad Boyes brought the Blues within one by scoring on the power play with 1:44 to go in the second and the third period turned into a tense battle of quality goaltenders.

Mason allowed two goals on 29 shots. This was the sixth playoff start of Mason's career and he has won only one of them.

Vancouver will host the second game of the series Friday.