The St Louis Blues’ late-season surge continues, as Pavel Buchnevich’s third-period goal was the difference maker in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, the Blues’ ninth straight victory.

Zack Bolduc opened the scoring on a first-period power play. Nathan McKinnon responded about a minute later with his 30th goal of the season, knotting the game at one-all for most of the afternoon. The Avalanche won 63 percent of their faceoffs, while the Blues recorded 27 shots on goal to Colorado’s 29 shots. Jordan Binnington claimed 28 saves to keep the Blues in the win column.

The Blues are now level with Minnesota on points at 87. However, the Wild have a game in hand and retain the first wild card position. Both Vancouver and Calgary lost in overtime, putting Vancouver six points behind with two games in hand and Calgary seven points behind with three games in hand. The Blues return to Enterprise Center on Tuesday to face Detroit; puck drop is at 7 p.m.

While the Blues were away Saturday, March 29, the Professional Women’s Hockey League takeover tour came to play in St Louis. Over 8500 fans saw the Ottawa Charge defeat the Boston Fleet 2-1 at Enterprise Center. St Louis native Jincy Roese provided an assist for the first of two goals from Tereza Vanisova.