SAN JOSE, Calif., April 15 (UPI) -- San Jose advanced to the Western Conference semifinals Thursday night as Mark Smith snapped a second-period tie en route to a 3-1 win over St. Louis.
Defenseman Brad Stuart and Mike Ricci also scored for the Sharks, who needed only five games to move into the conference semifinals for the fifth time. They never have gone further.
San Jose's next opponent has yet to be determined. The Sharks became the first team to capture a first-round series.
Smith scored his first career playoff goal 9:34 into the second period to snap a 1-1 tie. Blues rookie defenseman Christian Backman failed to clear the puck and Smith snapped it past goaltender Chris Osgood from the right faceoff circle.
Ricci tipped defenseman Scott Hannan's point shot by Osgood with 3:38 left to cap the scoring.
Brian Savage scored the only goal for the Blues, who limped into their 25th straight playoffs and quickly were bounced from the first round for the second consecutive year.
