Schwartz's hat trick leads Blues past Blackhawks

Forward Alexander Steen returned to action, coach Mike Yeo recorded his 200th NHL coaching victory, and the Blues took it to the rival Chicago Blackhawks most of the night. And hats off to Jaden Schwartz. No, really. Hats off.

Schwartz scored his third career hat trick, leading the Blues to a 5-2 victory over their division rivals before a sellout crowd of 18,752 at Scottrade Center.

It was easily the best effort of the young season for St. Louis, especially the first 2½ periods. They outshot, outhit and outhustled the Blackhawks, who did manage a couple of late goals on the power play but otherwise were frustrated all evening.

Amazing what a day off, followed by a couple of energetic practices, can do for a team.

“Right from the drop of puck, everybody — every line, every single D-man — was ready to play,” said Kyle Brodziak, who scored a third-period goal for St. Louis. “We knew how big of a game it was tonight.”

Even though they’ve stumbled in the playoffs the past couple of years, the Blackhawks remain the gold standard in the Western Conference. Any victory against them, even in October, makes it a good night’s work.

Playing only their second home game this season, the Blues improved to 5-2, but now head back on the road for two more — at Colorado (Thursday) and Vegas (Saturday).

“I think if you would’ve asked us if we’d be 5-2 after seven games, we would’ve taken it,” said goaltender Jake Allen said. “No-brainer. We’ve had some really good spurts, we’ve had some