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Boyes propels Blues past Blue Jackets

Feb 4, 2009 - 4:28 AM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Brad Boyes recorded two goals and an assist as the St. Louis Blues posted a 4-2 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday in a battle of Central Division rivals.

Jay McClement added both an even-strength and empty-net goal and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo notched two assists for St. Louis, which improved to 4-1-1 in its last six games.

"We played well last night in Detroit and we're disappointed with the loss there," Blues coach Andy Murray said. "All I know is we won tonight, my mind doesn't go too far back. We will go back to St Louis and get ready for the next game."

"It's a combination of guys playing well and figuring out the style of hockey that we need to play to win," St Louis goaltender Chris Mason said. "We played teams really close and finding ways to lose, and I think now we're finding ways to hold on to games in the third period and win."

The netminder turned aside 33 shots for the Blues, who have defeated the Blue Jackets five consecutive times.

"We don't think about that," Murray said. "They are a much better team and they have a good group of young players, so they are a difficult team to play against right now."

Defenseman Fedor Tyutin recorded a goal and an assist, R.J. Umberger also tallied and rookie Steve Mason finished 18 with saves for Columbus, which fell to 2-3-1 in its last six games.

"We want the game to be easier than it is," Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock said. "We've decided to play a different game and I think it is painfully obvious to everyone that it is not working. We are not going to win many games playing the way we played the last two games."

With the game tied at 2-2 with 4:19 remaining in the second period, Boyes gave the Blues a lead they would not relinquish.

Just one second after Kristian Huselius exited the penalty box, Boyes unleashed a one-timer from the top of the faceoff circle that beat Steve Mason for his second goal of the game and 22nd of the season.

"To be able to contribute, that's the biggest thing," Boyes said. "I haven't scored many goals in a while, and it felt good to do that tonight. We are playing solid right now."

All-Star Rick Nash attempted to level the contest with 13 1/2 minutes remaining in the third period, but his breakaway attempt caromed off both the right goalpost and the crossbar.

"I thought (in) the third period, we were the better team," Nash said. "But we took too long to get into the game. The first two periods weren't good enough, and we came along in the third, but they were just sitting back."

Although victorious, the Blues did receive some bad news as talented right wing David Backes left the game during the second period with a lower body injury. He did not return.

"I just thought it was not necessary, I guess would be my perspective," Murray said. "Stand up and take him head on. That's a dangerous hit and that is what they are trying to eliminate. It was a hit where you could hurt somebody.

"I am not happy with it," Backes said. "He felt it necessary to go low in the neutral zone. I guess it's a legal hockey play and playing within the rules and playing hard. We have four more games against this team and we got the better end of the score tonight."