Panthers’ losing streak reaches six

Veteran Thornton says last game is Saturday at home.

SUNRISE — Jaden Schwartz had a goal and two assists to lead the surging St. Louis Blues to a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.

David Perron, Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex Pietrangelo each had a goal and an assist, and Patrick Berglund and Ryan Reaves also scored as the Blues improved to 13-2-2 in their last 17 games. Jake Allen had 29 saves.

Vincent Trochek, Michael Matheson and Denis Malgin scored for the Panthers, who lost their sixth straight. James Reimer stopped 32 shots.

T h e t e a ms c o mb i n e d for six goals in a wild third period.

Berglund put the Blues ahead for good when he deflected Jordon Schmaltz’s shot in with 9:23 remaining for his 23rd goal of the season. Pietrangelo made i t 5-3 with 6:1 1 l ef t as he tipped Schwartz’ shot past Reimer for his 14th. It was a l s o P i et ra ngel o’s 300th career point.

Schwartz capped the scoring with his 19th with 59 seconds to go.

Thornton plans exit: Shawn Thornton admits h e h a s b e e n s o a k i n g i n the moment. In playing in Toronto last week, Thorn- ton drew it all in.

In Boston, his home for seven seasons as a hockey player and where he makes hi s of f s e a s on re s i dence, Thornton made the most of a quick visit.

And this week, his final one as a professional hockey player, Thornton is enjoying every minute.

Saturday, he says, will be his final NHL game. Although the Panthers will end their season Sunday in Washington, it doesn’t sound like Thornton has any plans on even making the team flight north following Saturday’s home finale against Buffalo.

A bottle of Scotch given to him by teammates will be part of his postgame celebration/time of reflection.

“I’ll go home and have a big glass of Scotch,” said Thornton, who was given his bottle after playing in his 600th NHL game two seasons ago.

“I’ll probably just relax. My parents are coming into town from Tampa, a couple of friends are coming in. I’ll probably hang out with them for a bit, tell some lies, tell some stories.

“Then I’ll wake up Sunday with a bit of a hangover and wonder what I’m going to do for the next couple of months.”

Some wondered if last Saturday’s game in Boston may have been Thornton’s final.

Although Boston remains near and dear to him, the Panthers do as well.