Stamkos Scores Four Goals in Predators' 7-2 Win

NASHVILLE, Tenn. Steven Stamkos scored four goals to lead the Nashville Predators to a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena, marking the team's fourth win in five games.

The 35-year-old center, in his first season with Nashville after 16 years with the Tampa Bay Lightning, erupted for his second career four-goal performance. His outburst came after a sluggish start to the season, where he managed just four goals in his first 22 games. Stamkos now has eight goals over his last eight outings, boosting his career total to 594, which places him 22nd on the NHL's all-time list, seven shy of Jari Kurri's mark.

Stamkos wasted little time, opening the scoring at 8:22 of the first period by batting in the rebound of his own shot on a two-on-one break past Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. Less than three minutes later, at 8:41, he doubled the lead by knocking in another rebound, this one off a shot from defenseman Roman Josi through traffic.

The Blues responded in the second period when Hugh McGing netted his first NHL goal at 4:17, tipping a pass from Philip Broberg in the right circle past Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. Ryan O'Reilly quickly...