NHL: St. Louis 5, Toronto 3

David Backes notched the second hat trick of his career as the St. Louis Blues held off the Toronto Maple Leafs, 5-3, on Tuesday.

Alexander Steen and T.J. Oshie each posted a goal and two assists for the Blues, who have won two straight after dropping their previous two. Ryan Miller turned away 22 shots in the win.

The win gives St. Louis 105 points on the season, one better than idle Boston for first overall in the NHL.

Joffrey Lupul, James van Riemsdyk, and Carl Gunnarsson each had a goal for the Maple Leafs, who are hanging on to the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of Washington and two ahead of Columbus, both of which are in action.

Jonathan Bernier made 44 saves in a losing effort.

[SportsNetwork.com]