Special teams key for Blues

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Sharks are looking to change up things after dropping two straight games to the St. Louis Blues in their first-round series.

The Sharks tinkered with lines and lineup changes at practice Wednesday in an indication of possible alterations for Game 4 today when they look to tie the series at two games apiece.

Patrick Marleau moved from top-line wing to second-line center, flipping spots with Logan Couture. Michal Handzus and Brad Winchester also were skating on the bottom two lines and could replace T.J. Galiardi and Dominic Moore if coach Todd McLellan decides to go with those moves.

The biggest change the Sharks will need is in their special teams play.

A potent power play and an aggressive penalty-kill unit are the biggest reasons why the Blues lead the series 2-1.

The Blues scored three power-play goals in a 4-3 win in Game 3 to take the series lead. They have scored five of their nine goals with the man advantage. The Sharks, on the other hand, have struggled to set up in the offensive zone and have just two power-play goals in 11 chances, while playing St. Louis even at even strength.