In St Louis, the Blues’ Brayden Schenn’s power play goal in the third period was the dagger in the New Jersey Devils’ thoughts of a late rally on Thursday night. 
The goal gave the Blues a 4-2 just past the midway point of the third period and Jordan Binnington, who made 34 saves on the night, made that stand up for the win.
“Everybody understands every game is like elimination,” St. Louis forward Alexey Toropchenko said. “We’re just trying to focus on the next game. We need wins to make the playoffs because everyone wants to make the playoffs. We’re just a hard-working team, physical, and we’re doing what our coaches are saying to us … we’re just working hard.”
The Blues improved to 26-25-3.
New Jersey chased the game all night, and got goals from Dawson Mercer in the first period to tie the game, 1-1, and Erik Haula who scored in the middle frame to make the count, 3-2 at the time to the Blues.
“I thought we had a terrible night in our own end,” New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said. “I thought we got beat to pucks. Some of our puck play led to our goals against, turned over pucks, and I think when you turn over pucks, especially against their top line a couple of times, you put yourself in a lot of trouble.
“It wasn’t a night where we got consistent hockey out of all four lines. It was probably one of our poorest nights when it came to a four-line performance and being on the same page.”
New Jersey dropped to 35-14-5.
The Blues took a 1-0 lead in the first period on a goal from Pavel Buchnevich.
In the middle frame, Toropchenko and Jordan Kyrou scored 95 seconds apart for a 3-1 advantage.
“Actually, it was a long shift and we just outworked them, and we were strong on our forecheck and pretty tight altogether,” Toropchenko said. “Great play by everyone, especially [Nathan Walker]. He just gave me like a present at the net.”
St Louis won both matches with New Jersey to sweep the set.
“They don’t give you any easy ice. Real fast team,” St. Louis coach Craig Berube said. “You get pressure everywhere … very good transition team, but we did a good job getting back, protecting the middle of the ice in our zone. We handled the rush attack pretty well tonight, I thought.”
Mackenzie Blackwood made 31 saves in the loss.
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