Birthday boy Backes lifts Blues

David Backes gave the St. Louis Blues a big gift on his 32nd birthday.

The Blues captain scored off a rebound during a powerplay 10:58 into overtime of Game 2 on Sunday for a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars that evened their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal at one game apiece.

After blowing a two-goal lead while getting outshot 13-2 in the third period, the Blues cashed in on their second powerplay in overtime. Backes followed up Alexander Steen's shot 17 seconds after Antoine Roussel was called for interference.