NHL: Columbus 4, St. Louis 3

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Rick Nash's 24th goal of the season helped Columbus build a three-score lead Wednesday and the Blue Jackets held on to defeat St. Louis 4-3.

Columbus prevented the Blues from posting what would have been their first three-game winning streak in almost three months.

Nash scored 3:57 into the second period to make it 3-1. Andrew Murray added a goal with 2:52 remaining in the stanza, driving Chris Mason from the game. Mason allowed the four goals on 19 shots, after which Chris Holt faced only two shots.

Third-period goals by Alexander Steen and T.J. Oshie brought the Blues within one, but rookie Steve Mason was finally able to shut the door.

Columbus moved into fifth place in the tight Western Conference playoff chase. It was the first win for the Blue Jackets over the Blues in three tries this season.