St. Louis 2, Kings 1

First Period: Kings: 0, Blues: 0 * Highlight Reel: You wouldn’t want to teach your youngster to play this way, but Yanic Perreault’s punch to the back of St. Louis center Darren Turcotte’s head stood out as proof the Kings brought their hearts with them to the rink. There was some question about that after an 8-3 loss in Game 1 on Thursday.

* What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: Anybody catch the number of the truck that wiped out St. Louis left wing Geoff Courtnall? Why, it was No. 22 in black, Ian Laperriere, making sure Courtnall didn’t get miles of open ice as he did in recording one goal and five assists in the opener.

* Winning Number: Only five shots against were another sign the Kings were determined to play more aggressive defense in support of rookie goaltender Jamie Storr.

* Wrong Number: Zero goals for the Kings was merely a morale builder. They desperately needed a first-period lead.

Second Period: Kings: 1, Blues: 1 * Highlight Reel: Glen Murray scored the tying goal because the Blues followed the bouncing puck a little too closely. Two Blues went to defenseman Aki Berg, leaving Murray uncovered in front of the net. Goalie Grant Fuhr saved Berg’s shot, but couldn’t move quickly enough to stop Murray on the rebound.

* What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: Defenseman Rob Blake moved toward the net several times in an attempt to break the Kings’ funk on the power play. Didn’t work. They went scoreless on eight chances with the man advantage and are 0 for 16 for the series.

* Winning Number: Eighteen shots after 40 minutes, a sign the Kings have the required offensive firepower to steal Game 2.

* Wrong Number: One goal is all the Kings have to show for their 18-15 advantage in shots on net.

Final: Kings: 1, Blues: 2 * Highlight Reel: No channel surfing in Game 2. A King penalty, a wild scramble for control of the puck and, suddenly, St. Louis right wing Jim Campbell was alone against Storr. Campbell slipped the puck between Storr’s legs for the game winner at 11:37.

* What You Won’t Find in the Box Score: No nerves. No soft goals either. Storr was helpless on Campbell’s goal, but he rewarded Coach Larry Robinson’s faith in him by turning in a superb performance. Don’t expect to see Stephane Fiset’s name in the lineup for Game 3. Storr’s play means Fiset should remain on the bench.

* Winning Number: Zero goals for St. Louis sniper Brett Hull is but a moral victory for the Kings.

* Wrong Number: Two minutes for interference by Jozef Stumpel on St. Louis’ Craig Conroy set up the winning goal for the Blues.