Turek’s Poor Play Draws Spotlight

Roman Turek has deflected more questions than shots over the past week.

It was no surprise then Sunday when the St. Louis goalie politely declined to answer more questions about his erratic play as the Blues try to stay alive in the Western Conference finals.

After going six consecutive games without giving up more than two goals, Turek has given up 14 in four games against the Colorado Avalanche, which leads the series, 3-1, heading into Game 5 tonight.

Despite their goaltending problems, the Blues have refused to make Turek a scapegoat.

“There are only two series going and there’s a lot of scrutiny,” Coach Joel Quenneville said. “Everybody’s watching every game and looking at every angle trying to magnify and interpret what they see. In fairness to him, he’s one of the guys who’s delivered the goods, so he’ll be all right.”

Wishful thinking? Possibly.

Turek has shown no sign of taking charge, giving up seven first-period goals. His deficiencies have been more glaring because Colorado is getting outstanding play from Patrick Roy.

It took St. Louis 60 shots to beat Roy in Game 3. Colorado scored on two of its first three shots in that game as Turek looked like a bad juggling act whenever the puck came his way.

“Sure, he probably has some shots he would like to have back, but we’re not this far along in the playoffs without him,” forward Cory Stillman said.

“He wants to prove everybody wrong and that’s what everybody’s trying to do.”

Quenneville did not rule out the possibility of starting rookie goalie Brent Johnson in Game 5, but said Sunday, “We’re leaning on Roman right now.”

Johnson, who went 19-9-2 during the regular season, has not started since March 31.

“My feeling is if I get a chance to play I’m going to try and make the best of it but I’m told he’s going with Roman,” Johnson said. “He’s gotten us here and I don’t feel that I can talk negatively about Roman because I think he’s done a great job.”

Martin Brodeur hasn’t been beaten by a Pittsburgh shot lately, or rewarded with a star. No matter, it’s another Stanley Cup he craves.

Brodeur shut out Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and the rest of the Penguins the last two games, yet isn’t getting much credit for putting the defending-champion New Jersey Devils a victory away from a return trip to the Stanley Cup finals.

“This is a nice part to be overlooked if you go like that,” Brodeur said. “The way we play, we pride ourselves on playing as a team and the guys in the locker room know that if I didn’t make a few of the saves we wouldn’t be able to talk about this now.”

After the Devils split the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals at home, Brodeur stopped all 41 shots against him in Pittsburgh as New Jersey grabbed a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series that resumes Tuesday night.

Even though he was perfect, Brodeur wasn’t named one of the three stars of either game.

“I’m fine with everything,” Brodeur said. “The bottom line is winning and advancing in the playoffs.”