Jeff Roberson - AP

2 months ago: Tampa Bay Lightning's Jeff Halpern, left, is congratulated by teammate Martin St. Louis after scoring during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues, Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in St. Louis. The Lightning won 6-3. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

View full size photo »

he Tampa Bay Lightning beat the St. Louis Blues 6-3.

They broke a six-game losing streak. Their last win was against the New York Islanders on 5 December at home. It was also their first win of this six-game road trip.

Vincent Lecavalier's two assists gave him 700 career points. He was also the catalyst of this game. Lecavalier's chippy play is what energized the team and got them going in the right direction. The turning point in the game for the Lightning was Vinny's retaliatory elbow penalty at the end of the first period.

Jeff Halpern was playing with a full cage over his face due to taking a puck to his face the night before against the game in Detroit. He was worked on in the locker room by an oral surgeon after that game, and was still on the ice for an optional morning skate in St. Louis. Seeing his black cage reminded me of when I used to play hockey - though my cage was white.

Halpern scored two goals in the game, as did Steven Stamkos. Martin St. Louis had a goal and two assists. Malone and Tanguay also had two assists each.

Twice the Lightning scored within a minute after the Blues scored. Typically, coaches will tell you to be careful of the shift after you score, but rarely does it happen that the other team scores immediately after your team does. Well, twice it happened for the Lightning to maintain their two-goal lead for most of the night.

Yesterday was rookie Victor Hedman's 19^th birthday. After the game, he was greated with a shaving cream pie. It was nice of the team, however, to give him the nice birthday gift of winning the game.

The next game is at the New York Islanders on Monday, 21 December. Starting time is 7 pm Eastern. Let's hope Hedman scores another goal on John Tavares's team.

Lightning vs Blues coverage [SB Nation]

St. Louis Game Time [SB Nation St. Louis Blues site]

Lightning vs Blues recap [TSN]

Lightning vs Blues boxscore [TSN]