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PITTSBURGH -- The last two weeks were difficult for Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen, as he watched from the press box.
The last two games have been rewarding for Kapanen and the Penguins.
Kapanen scored his second career hat trick and the Penguins beat the St. Louis Blues 6-2 on Saturday night.
"It hasn't been the easiest month or so, but I'm happy to be out there playing games and winning," Kapanen said.
Kapanen was floated in and out of the lineup for inconsistent play in nine of 10 games recently. But he responded with the game-winner on Thursday against Vegas and then his first hat trick since Nov. 6, 2021, during a home game against Minnesota.
"We're thrilled for him," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "Obviously, it's not an easy experience when you're out of the lineup. But I think (Kapanen) has responded unbelievably well and we're certainly thrilled for him."
Bryan Rust had a goal and three assists, Jason Zucker had a goal and two assists, Sidney Crosby also scored and Evgeni Malkin added three assists to help the Penguins win their second straight and seventh in the last nine. Tristan Jarry stopped 26 shots for the Penguins, who are 9-2-2 in their last 13.
Pavel Buchnevich and Vladimir Tarasenko scored for the Blues, who have lost three straight and five of six after a seven-game win streak. Jordan Binnington gave up four goals on 17 shots before being pulled in the opening minute of the second period. Thomas Greiss had 19 saves in relief.
St. Louis was without Jordan Kyrou.