NHL: St. Louis 4, New York Rangers 1

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ST. LOUIS, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Brian Elliott improved his already impressive numbers Thursday by allowing only a second-period goal in carrying St. Louis past the New York Rangers 4-1.

Elliott came into the game leading the league in goals-against average (1.45) and save percentage (.947).

He made 25 saves in helping St. Louis improve to 12-2-3 under Coach Ken Hitchcock. The Blues won their fourth straight and handed the Rangers their second consecutive loss.

Patrik Berglund and David Perron scored for the Blues in the first period. The only New York goal came from Michael Del Zotto that brought the Rangers within one heading into the third.

Alexander Steen then gave St. Louis some insurance 61 seconds into the final period and Jason Arnott tacked on an empty-net goal with 2:27 to go.

New York, which scored 10 goals in back-to-back wins over Florida and Buffalo, has managed only one in its losses to Dallas and St. Louis. Henrik Lundqvist gave up three goals on 35 shots.