It took 15 games for Martin St. Louis to finally score. The former league MVP who was acquired at the trade deadline for Ryan Callahan had struggled mightily. Entering last night, he only had three assists. Something had to give.

With the Rangers nursing a 2-1 lead, St. Louis finished off a Rick Nash pass on a two-on-one for a shorthanded goal. A beaut which finally gave him 30 goals. It had to feel like a huge relief for a star player who is used to producing. The goal gave his new team some breathing room allowing the Blueshirts to prevail over the Canucks 3-1.

A rematch that pitted Alain Vigneault and John Tortorella against each other. Vigneault had a successful return to Vancouver. He went 2-0 against his former team. The Rangers won for the 25th time on the road and moved up to 90 points. They lead the Flyers by three for second place. By virtue of a point in a 1-0 shootout loss at St. Louis, Philly is at 87 with two extra games remaining. The Rangers only have five left.

Their seventh win over the last eight inched them closer to the postseason. Both the Canadiens and Lightning each clinched last night. Daniel Carcillo and Benoit Pouliot each tallied in the win. Carcillo benefited from no whistle when Eddie Lack thought he had the puck covered. Brian Boyle freed it up allowing the pest to open the scoring. Pouliot converted a beautiful Derick Brassard for a power play goal. Ryan Kesler had the lone goal for Vancouver, who are headed to a long offseason.

The most important aspect of the win was St. Louis finally scoring. It should provide a big confidence boost. If the Rangers are to be successful this Spring, they need him. Maybe he’ll heat up at the right time.