Ducks 7, Blues 4
Bobby Ryan scored three goals and set up another as the Anaheim Ducks netted four third-period goals and cruised to a 7-4 triumph over the visiting St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.
Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky collected a goal and two assists, Corey Perry scored and set up a goal and Jason Blake and rookie Brandon McMillan also tallied as Anaheim (24-18-4) won for the fifth time in six outings on its current homestand.
Rookie Cam Fowler and veteran Teemu Selanne notched a pair of assists apiece for the Ducks, who moved past the Phoenix Coyotes and into sole possession of second place in the Pacific Division.
Ryan opened the scoring with a power-play goal just 3:31 into the first period. After Blake tallied nearly four minutes later, Ryan gave the Ducks a three-goal cushion with 1:43 remaining in the session.
The second overall pick of the 2005 draft, Ryan then capped the hat trick just 30 seconds into the third period. The goal was his 21st of the season and sixth in his last three games.
Entering the contest with two consecutive shutouts, Jonas Hiller turned aside 30 shots to record his 11th win in his last 14 outings to improve to 22-14-3 this season.
David Backes scored twice, Brad Boyes netted a power-play goal and Ryan Reaves recorded his first career NHL goal as St. Louis (20-16-6) dropped its fifth consecutive game.
Ty Conklin finished with 17 saves to fall to 5-3-2 this campaign.