The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

(AP) - David Backes scored in the third period to lift the St. Louis Blues over the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Sunday night in coach Ken Hitchcock's first game against his former club.

Kris Russell, traded from Columbus earlier in the month, also scored for St. Louis, which is 7-1-2 since Hitchcock replaced Davis Payne on Nov. 6.

Brian Elliott made 23 saves for the Blues to improve to 10-1-0 this season.

Derek Dorsett scored for Columbus, which had its five-game points streak snapped.