Penguins' knack for OT costly for Blues

PITTSBURGH -- Open ice, open teammates, a more wide-open style of play. No wonder Mario Lemieux likes overtime so much.

Lemieux set up Shawn Heins' first goal in nearly 2 1/2 years, giving the Pittsburgh Penguins a 2-1 victory over St. Louis on Saturday -- their second overtime win in three games.

Dominating play in overtime, the Penguins missed several good scoring chances before Heins got the puck to Lemieux in the lower left circle. Lemieux gave it right back for Heins' backhander from along the edge of the circle with 26.3 seconds remaining.

"There's more open ice in overtime, more opportunities to make plays," Lemieux said. "Maybe this will help get these new guys going, help get them some confidence."

Both Pittsburgh goals -- Rico Fata also scored -- came from players who hadn't scored a goal since being traded to Pittsburgh earlier this month.

Lemieux scored the winning overtime goal himself Tuesday night against Vancouver, helping Pittsburgh go 2-1 so far on what he called a make or break five-game home stand. The Penguins lost 5-2 to Colorado on Thursday night, dropping them seven points out of the Eastern Conference's last playoff spot.

Heins was scoreless in 25 games this season, 20 with San Jose, and hadn't scored since Nov. 18, 2000, against the Islanders. Saturday's goal was his fourth in 87 career games.

Penguins rookie goalie Sebastien Caron stopped 24 shots for his second straight victory.