Sanford excited about first playoff opportunity

ST. PAUL - Zach Sanford will play in his first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff game tonight when the Blues meet the Minnesota Wild in Game 2, and he couldn't be more excited about it.
"I've had a couple of firsts this year that I've dreamed about growing up, and this is another one to check off the list," Sanford said after Friday's practice. "I'm real excited for it… I think a lot of the guys are excited for me, so I just have to make the most of the opportunity and play hard."

Blues Head Coach Mike Yeo didn't say who Sanford would be replacing tonight.
The 6-foot-4 forward, who came to St. Louis in the Kevin Shattenkirk trade in February, played in 13 games for the Blues, posting two goals and three assists. In 26 games before the trade with Washington, Sanford scored two goals and one assist.
Sanford said he expects the intensity to taken up a notch or two compared with the regular season.
"It's that time of year when everyone is going all out and giving it their all," he said. "The biggest difference is just the competition, the physical play and the pace. As long as I can keep up with that and use my size, I think I'll be good."