NHL: N.Y. Rangers 2, St. Louis 1

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Sean Avery and Derek Stepan scored in the second period Saturday and the New York Rangers went on to defeat St. Louis 2-1.

Avery's second goal of the year with less than 5 minutes remaining in the middle frame -- a wrist shot that beat Jaroslav Halak -- broke a 1-1 tie and proved to be the game-winner.

Martin Biron turned aside 24 shots as the Rangers registered their third straight win.

Brad Winchester scored for the Blues and Halak ended up stopping 22-of-24 shots as St. Louis went down to defeat for the third consecutive game.