NHL: St. Louis 3, Columbus 1

ST. LOUIS, April 10 (UPI) -- Keith Tkachuk scored twice Friday in leading St. Louis to a 3-1 win over Columbus that gave the Blues their first playoff berth in five years.

St. Louis needed a victory over the Blue Jackets and a loss by Nashville to Minnesota to earn the post-season spot and the Blues got both.

Andy McDonald also scored for the Blues and Brad Boyes had two assists. St. Louis won for the eighth time in 10 games, getting 16 saves from Chris Mason.

Columbus, which is sixth in the Western Conference playoff standings, came up with a goal by Jiri Novotny and 22 saves from Steve Mason.

St. Louis defeated Columbus in five of their six meetings this season.