With or without Steen, Blues battling Blackhawks for Central lead

St. Louis Blues' Alexander Steen (20), Kevin Shattenkirk, center and Chris Stewart, right, celebrate their 4-3 shootout win over the New York Islanders in an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, in Uniondale, N.Y. Shattenkirk scored the winning goal against Islanders goalie Kevin Poulin. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek) (The Associated Press)

St. Louis Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save in the first period against the New Jersey Devils of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam) (The Associated Press)

Alexander Steen's production is back, even though he's not close to 100 percent from a concussion complicated by a lower-body injury.

Getting their star back has been a big plus for the St. Louis Blues. They're out of a lull and again among the NHL's best teams, dueling the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks for the Central Division lead. After Tuesday's games, St. Louis and Chicago were tied for first in the division and for second overall in the NHL with 77 points apiece.

Steen was the NHL's No. 2 goal-scorer before missing 11 games with a concussion in late December. He's been back for six games and has a point in the last five with three goals and four assists.