GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The St. Louis Blues are finding different ways to keep up with the Western Conference leaders.
This time, the offense came through early, with the Blues using a four-goal first period to beat the Arizona Coyotes 6-4 on Saturday night for their fifth straight win.
Vladimir Tarasenko, David Backes and Alexander Steen each had a goal and an assist in the game.
“You kept shaking your head and wondering if it was real,” Backes said of the four-goal early explosion. “Another way to find two points. It’s a good feeling in here with different guys stepping up all the time.”
Jaden Schwartz, Carl Gunnarsson and Patrik Berglund also scored, and Colton Parayko added two assists for St. Louis. The Blues are third in the Western Conference with 79 points and just two points behind the Chicago Blackhawks for the conference lead.
Arizona has lost seven of 10 and is about to start a five-game trip that could determine whether it remains a playoff contender. Max Domi scored twice, Kevin Connauton had a goal and two assists and Shane Doan also scored. Louis Domingue stopped 30 of 35 shots and was…