NHL: St. Louis 4, Vancouver 2

ST. LOUIS, March 26 (UPI) -- Goals from David Perron and Andy McDonald broke open a tie game in the third period Thursday and sent the St. Louis Blues to a 4-2 triumph over Vancouver.

The Blues began the night in 11th place in the Western Conference, but moved within one point of a spot among the top eight in the tightly-bunched playoff race with their third straight win.

With the game tied 2-2 after two periods, Perron put the Blues in front 2:58 into the third period by tipping in a shot by Keith Tkachuk on the power play. McDonald also scored on the power play with just 34 seconds to go in regulation.

Chris Mason stopped 21 of 23 shots for the Blues, giving him 10 victories in his last 15 starts.

Vancouver missed a chance to move within a point of Calgary for the lead in the Northwest Division. The Flames stayed three points in front of the Canucks despite losing to Columbus earlier in the evening.