Blues notch 3-2 exhibition victory over Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Pavol Demitra and Mark Rycroft each had a goal and an assist as the St. Louis Blues beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 Friday night.

Christian Backman had two assists for the Blues who dominated the second period, scoring twice while holding the Blue Jackets without a shot.

Rostislav Klesla and Jaroslav Spacek had the Columbus goals, Spacek pulling the Blue Jackets even at 2-all on a rebound 1:08 into the third period.

Demitra then scored with 7:32 left, converting off a pass from Keith Tkachuk after Columbus goalie Fred Brathwaite committed to Tkachuk.

Brent Johnson had 23 saves for the Blues.

Down 1-0, the Blues pulled even on Rycroft's third goal of the preseason at the 5:57 mark of the second period.

With 20 seconds left in the period and the Blues controlling both ends of the ice, Mayers jammed in a shot off a scrum in front of the goal.

Columbus scored on its first power-play opportunity with Klesla's blast from the blue line eluding Johnson.

Rick Nash set up the tying goal early in the third period, circling in from behind the net to put a shot on goal that Johnson deflected. David Vyborny got a stick on the puck before Johnson blocked it, with Spacek pounding in the rebound.