Hedman scores two goals, Lightning split home and home with Blues

TAMPA -- Victor Hedman had two goals and an assist for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues at Amalie Arena on Thursday.

"One of the things I expect out of myself is to change the game up offensively or defensively," the defeneman said. "This is what I want to do and tonight it was scoring goals.
"And scoring goals is always fun."

Anthony Cirelli and Ondrej Palat scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy made 26 saves for the Lightning (13-5-4), who have won seven of 10.
Brandon Saad scored, Robert Thomas and Scott Perunovich each had two assists, and Ville Husso made 31 saves for the Blues (12-8-3). Goalie Jordan Binnington and defenseman Justin Faulk were placed in NHL COVID-19 protocol before the game.
"It's crazy, but that's what this year's been," Blues center Ryan O'Reilly said. "It's unfortunate, it's out of our control, but we could have won that game tonight. We've got to stick with it, we've got a tough test coming up [at the Florida Panthers on Saturday]."
Hedman made it 3-2 at 8:09 of the third period with his fourth goal of the season, a slap shot from the point. He extended the lead to 4-2 at 10:29 when Blues defenseman Marco Scandella's pass attempt went right to Hedman and he beat Husso top shelf in a one-on-one.
"It was good for Vic," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "I'm not sure he's been completely happy with his game these last few games. For him to break out and put a stamp on this one, it was big."
Palat gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead at 7:16 of the first period. Ross Colton had his shot blocked by Blues defenseman Torey Krug, and Palat, trailing on the play, scored on a backhand at the left post.
Saad tied it 1-1 at 14:07 of the second period with a power-play goal. Thomas passed from the right point to the forward on the doorstep for the tip-in.
"We had some good looks on the power play there to tie it up, but at the end of the day, puck management and a couple of mistakes cost us," Saad said. "We competed hard and had the right intentions."

Cirelli put the Lightning ahead 2-1 with a power-play goal at 4:26 of the third period, a one-timer from inside the left circle off a pass from Alex Killorn.
"That's a great play all around by the guys," Cirelli said. "[Steven Stamkos] helping on the draw, [Hedman] and 'Killer' making two great passes and I was just trying to get on net."
Blues coach Craig Berube said, "You can't make the couple of mistakes that we made. Even on their power-play goal, we know they're going to run that play and we didn't read it."
Pavel Buchnevich tied it 2-2 with a power-play goal to the far post at 7:16.
NOTES: Blues defenseman Jake Walman played for Faulk and had two shots on goal in 5:29 of ice time. ... The Lightning lost their prior five games against the Blues (0-3-2). … Perunovich had his first multipoint game in his nine NHL games. … Lightning defenseman Zach Bogosian played his 700th NHL game. … Stamkos has scored seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past five games. ... Palat's last goal was Nov. 6 against the Ottawa Senators.