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Tarasenko's hat trick lifts Blues over Kings

Dec 17, 2014 - 5:10 AM St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Vladimir Tarasenko recorded his second career hat trick and the St. Louis Blues scored five unanswered goals in a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.

Tarasenko also had an assist for the Blues, who have won five in a row. Kevin Shattenkirk and Alexander Steen each scored one goal.

Jake Allen made 21 saves for St. Louis, which improved to 12-3-1 at home this season.

Marian Gaborik scored two goals for the Kings, who went 1-3-1 on their five- game road trip. Jonathan Quick stopped 18-of-22 shots.

Tarasenko's first goal of the game cut the Kings' lead to 2-1 when he beat Quick from the high slot at 12:29 of the second period.

Shattenkirk, Tarasenko and Steen scored in a span of 2:30 in the third.

"We have to be better in the third period," Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin said.

Shattenkirk's goal on a 5-on-3 power play tied things up at the 11:20 mark as his one-timer from the top of the right circle got past Quick.

Tarasenko scored on the power play at 13:00 when his wrist shot from the right circle beat Quick. Steen scored off a 3-on-2 rush at 13:50 to make it 4-2.

Tarasenko completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal at 18:36.

"The fans were unbelievable," Tarasenko said. "It was really nice to get my first hat trick here at Scottrade."

The Kings outshot the Blues 11-6 during a scoreless first period.

Gaborik jammed home a loose puck in front at the 5:39 mark of the middle stanza.

Gaborik scored on the power play 11 minutes into the second, as he tipped Anze Kopitar's pass past Allen.

Game Notes

Blues forward T.J. Oshie missed the game due to family reasons ... St. Louis went 2-for-3 on the power play, while the Kings went 1-for-6.