ST. LOUIS - With his 20th goal of the season Thursday vs. Nashville, Vladimir Tarasenko moved into a tie with Dallas' Jamie Benn for the League lead in goals.

The 24-year-old Blues forward has been red hot of late, lighting the lamp in four consecutive games (four goals, two assists). Tarasenko has now recorded three consecutive 20-goal seasons, making him the first Blue since Doug Gilmour to accomplish that feat before the age of 25.

"It's always good when you win. It's not always about points and goals, it's about team success," Tarasenko said after Thursday's game. "The atmosphere after wins in the locker room is unbelievable. You can't feel like this if you score a lot of goals but lose every game."

Blues Head Coach Ken Hitchcock isn't suprised by Tarasenko's success, and insists that the majority of the goals he's scored were important ones.

"I think that's been the difference for us, why we have the record we've had this year," Hitchcock said. "It seems like every game is a playoff game, and you need your best players to be your best players. When the game's been on the line, he's been outstanding."

After 32 games, Tarasenko remains on pace for a 50-goal season.