Back in mid-February, the St. Louis Blues were last in the WesternConference. On Friday night, they ended a three-season playoff drought.
Keith Tkachuk scored twice for the first time since opening night and added an assistin a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Tkachuk and defenseman Barrett Jackman are the only players left from the Blues’ last playoff appearance in 2004.
Chris Mason contributed a solid night in goal in his 32nd consecutive start forthe Blues, who got a chance to clinch in front of a sellout crowd intheir home finale after Nashville’s 8-4 loss at Minnesota. ThePredators, Blues and Anaheim entered the night in a three-way tie forseventh.
The Blues were up by two with 8:41 to go during a stoppage when theWild finished off the Predators. Fans erupted when the score wasrelayed by the P.A. announcer with about two minutes to go and theBlues’ victory all but assured.
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