There were two big scoring performances over the last couple of nights thanks to David Backes and Jeff Carter.

Backes scored a career high four goals on Thursday night to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 5-4 victory against the Detroit Red Wings. "I don't know what happened," said Backes. "One of those games where you kind of black out and then they're patting you on the back." It was also Backes' first career hat trick.

For Backes, its been a career season in which he now has career highs in goals (30) and assists (21) for a Blues club that is fighting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. The Blues currently sit in the eigth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, Jeff Carter picked up his first career hat trick on Friday night as he helped Philly outgun Toronto, 8-5. "I've had a lot of two-goal games. I'm just happy to get it out of the way," Carter said, referring to the hat trick. Similar to Backes, Carter has set career highs in goals (44) and assists (36) and leads the Flyers in points with 80. With the win, Carter and the Flyers moved into fourth place in the Eastern Conference with just five games left in the regular season.

It has certainly been a breakout season for these two young players and you can be sure both of their clubs will be looking for more scoring from them as the regular season winds down and the playoffs start up.

Posted By: Luke Ventura