BLUES Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak and Alexander Steen scored for the Blues and Jake Allen made 30 saves in a 3-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night to snap a three-game losing streak.
Because of the win, the Blues entered the three-day holiday break with a one-point lead over the Nashville Predators for first place in the Central Division.
"We could sense it was a tough schedule and guys have been putting a lot in for us," Blues Head Coach Mike Yeo said of the team's busy schedule. "Not just the travel, but the amount of games we've been playing, the combination of that with some of the guys we've had out of the lineup, our guys have been competing hard and battling hard. I was happy for them to get a break there.
"You play as many games as we did in that busy of a stretch, it becomes a grind and we got through it," Yeo added. "Now we're looking to get moving on the next part of the season."
Video: Yeo comments on holiday break coming at right time
PREDATORS Ryan Johansen tied the game with a third period goal, but Nashville eventually lost 4-3 in a shootout to the Dallas Stars in their last contest on Saturday.
The loss was Nashville's third straight - the Predators are 0-2-1 in that stretch.
"We've got to be confident. Every team goes through those phases," Predators defenseman Roman Josi said. "Obviously, the last three games it wasn't the result we wanted. We didn't play the way we wanted, but we're a pretty honest group. I think everybody knows we can play a lot better."
THE MATCHUP Nashville won the only meeting between the teams this season, taking a 2-0 victory on Nov. 24 at Scottrade Center. The Blues are 10-4-1 against the Predators in their last 15 games at Scottrade Center. The Blues are 6-2-1 against the Central Division this season, while the Predators are 8-2-2.
