Blues lose third straight to Columbus

ST. LOUIS -- In a battle to escape the NHL basement, the Columbus Blue Jackets discovered the offense they'd been missing.

Aaron Johnson's first goal of the season snapped a third-period tie and the Blue Jackets ended a seven-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night.

"It's big, these are teams we have to jump on," Johnson said. "If we keep playing hard against teams like this eventually we're going to be able to play hard against teams like Colorado and get wins in those situations, too."

Manny Malhotra had a goal and two assists, Luke Richardson and Martin Brule also scored, and Jody Shelley had two assists for the Blue Jackets, who tied their season best for goals and leapfrogged the Blues despite getting outshot 34-19.

The Blue Jackets, who scored only nine goals during their losing streak and entered the game with a league-worst 40 goals, have 12 points and lead the Blues by one point. Columbus benefited from Johnson's third career goal in 31 games and Richardson's 33rd in 18 NHL seasons.

"It's huge for those guys to step up," coach Gerard Gallant said. "As we all know we're last in the National Hockey League, so to come in here and get a win with other people chipping in is big for our club."

Barret Jackman scored his first two goals of the season for the Blues, who have lost three in a row while surrendering 15 goals. The Blues blew a one-goal, third-period lead for the second straight night, following a 5-3 loss at Minnesota on Friday, and have lost a franchise-record seven straight games at home.

"It's all for nothing, it doesn't matter," Jackman said. "I'd rather have no goals and not lose the game."