NHL: St. Louis 4, Columbus 1

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Alexander Steen scored the first of three consecutive St. Louis power-play goals just 1:14 into the game Thursday, igniting the Blues to a 4-1 victory over Columbus.

Steen, Jay McClement and Vladimir Sobotka all put slap shots by Mathieu Garon while the Blues had the man advantage, boosting them to their second straight win.

Jaroslav Halak has been in goal for both the St. Louis victories after he and the Blues had gone through a five-game losing streak.

The only goal against Halak came from Jan Hejda 6:56 into the third period. David Backes, who assisted on two of the first three St. Louis goals, scored into an empty net with 2:47 to play.

Garon allowed three goals on 23 shots. Columbus has lost six out of seven.