Blues 3, Ducks 1
BLUES 3, DUCKS 1: Patrik Berglund snapped a tie early in the second period and captain David Backes recorded a power-play goal and an assist as St. Louis topped Anaheim to take the lead in the race for the Presidents' Trophy.
Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk converted a power-play chance, David Perron notched two assists and Jaroslav Halak made 24 saves for his career-high seventh straight win for the Blues, who have earned at least one point in 23 of 24 at home (20-1-3).
St. Louis moved two points ahead of the New York Rangers for the top spot in the league.
After Ducks All-Star Corey Perry opened the scoring at 4:18 of the second period, Backes knotted the contest midway through the session. Perron made a pass from the top of the left faceoff circle to Backes, who tipped the puck past Jonas Hiller for his 20th goal of the season.
Berglund put St. Louis ahead for good at 4:47 of the third. Former Duck Andy McDonald dished the puck from the right corner to Berglund, who knocked it past Hiller from the doorstep for his first tally in 15 contests.
Shattenkirk added insurance just over two minutes later with a blast from the right point.
Hiller stopped 24 shots for Anaheim, which has lost four of six overall and 21 of 30 on the road.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Perry's goal was his fourth in as many games. ... The two-goal performance by Backes was his third this season. ... Hiller extended his franchise record by making his 27th consecutive start. ... The home team has won each of the last eight meetings. ... Anaheim has lost five straight visits to St. Louis. ... The Blues improved to 35-0-0 when scoring at least three goals.