Blues notch 3-1 win over Canucks

ST. LOUIS -- Pavol Demitra scored twice, and Al MacInnis had a goal and an assist, leading the St. Louis Blues to a 3-1 victory Thursday night over the Vancouver Canucks.

It was the only meeting between the teams this season at the Savvis Center. The Blues have won nine of 10 home games against the Canucks, who entered with three wins in four outings. St. Louis has won three of four.

Canucks captain Markus Naslund scored his eighth goal at 5:03 of the first period, giving Vancouver a 1-0 lead.

Al MacInnis figured in both goals in the second period for the Blues.

MacInnis' slap shot deflected off Demitra just 41 seconds into the period, tying it 1-1. Demitra was credited with his 10th goal.

MacInnis scored a power-play goal with 1:04 left in the period, giving St. Louis a 2-1 lead. MacInnis' shot deflected in off Vancouver defenseman Scott Lachance for his fourth goal.

Demitra scored an empty-net goal with a minute remaining, making it 3-1.

Blues goalie Fred Braithwate made his first start in five games and made 22 saves.