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   ST. LOUIS (AP) - Brian Elliott stopped all three chances in a shootout for the second straight game, bouncing back after a late goal denied him a fourth shutout this month, and the St. Louis Blues beat the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 last night to step closer to a playoff berth.

   Radim Vrbata's power-play goal tied it with 1:07 to go. The Coyotes, who were blanked 4-0 on Monday by the Sharks, capitalized on a boarding penalty against Blues captain David Backes.

   Andy McDonald was the first to go in the shootout and got the only goal, beating Chad Johnson.

   David Perron scored his first goal in 17 games for the offensively challenged Blues, who have scored two or fewer goals in 12 of their last 16 games. They've won 10 of those games thanks to tight defense and strong play in goal. They are 5-1 in shootouts.

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Patrik Berglund scored twice in a span of 2:12 and the St. Louis Blues beat the Phoenix Coyotes 6-3 on Thursday night.

Chris Stewart got a goal and two assists, David Perron added four assists, and Scott Nichol, Vladimir Sobotka and Alex Pietrangelo also scored as the Blues won after two straight losses.

David Moss scored a short-handed goal, Keith Yandle had a power-play goal and Shane Doan added his second goal in three games for the Coyotes, who have lost two straight.

After Stewart gave the Blues a 1-0 lead on a long rebound to the bottom of the right circle, a series of defensive miscues led to four of the next five goals.