The Blues have languished in last place in the Western Conference since Dec. 26. Everybody in the organization has grown sick of 15th place.

They had a chance to move up a notch Tuesday, since Colorado lost at Columbus. They took a 2-0 lead over the Canucks gained control of the game.

But then the Note collapsed in the second and third quarter, suffering breakdown after breakdown in their own zone and taking one terrible penalty after another.

The result: A disheartening 6-4 loss and more time in the cellar.

Here are some observations from the game:

It was great to see Andy McDonald back in a Blues sweater, streaking up and down the ice and bouncing up from big hits. His return gives this team greater skill and versatility up front.

It was interesting to see McDonald working with Patrik Berglund. That combo paid off immediately when McDonald fed Berglund coming down the middle for a glorious scoring opportunity.

McDonald scored a goal and picked up an assist in his first game back, but he also took a holding penalty during a Blues power play — and that led to a Canucks power-play goal.

Chris Mason was strong early, robbing Henrik Sedin in the first period. Too bad those good feelings couldn’t last.

With Cam Janssen out of the Blues lineup, the Canucks were more interested in the rough stuff. As a result, Dan Hinote and David Perron (!) had their hands full during simultaneous skirmishes with Kevin Bieksa and Alex Burrows respectively.

Steve Wagner, one of Hockey Guy’s favorites from last season, made a mark on this latest recall. He scored a first-period goal after his first shot from the left point was blocked. He kept the puck in, then moved to beat Roberto Luongo.

Brad Boyes is a scoring machine with the man advantage. After hitting the post in the first period, he scored moments later on a one-time blast from the left circle. Hockey Guy gets Steve Larmer flashbacks watching him on the power play.

Is there any particular reason why Penguins scouts have tracked the last four Blues games? They aren’t looking at Keith Tkachuk, are they? Tkachuk gave them something to consider, backhanding a weak-side rebound into the empty net.

Did the Blues defense believe Mats Sundin was contagious? The Comeback Kid scored twice in the second period, with the Note failing to cover him in each instance.

Brad Winchester beat Luongo midway through the second period, but his backhand shot hit the inside of the left post and dribbled out. Ouch!

The Blues defense collapsed in the latter stages of the second period, allowing the Canucks to sustain constant pressure. The Note was luck to escape the period with a 3-2 lead. Their luck would not last.

Vancouver finally tied the game on the second of their back-to-back power plays in the third period, after Jay McClement failed the clear the puck from the zone.

The Blues quickly regained the lead, with McDonald converting a sweet pass from Berglund from behind the net. The rookie’s strength on the back wall made that play possible.

But Alex Burrows tied the game again, burst up the left wing and hand-cuffing Mason with a shot Chris would love to have back.

Then Barret Jackman took a tripping penalty, putting the explosive Canucks right back on the penalty. He didn’t like the call, but he did use his stick instead of his feet.

That penalty let to still another Canucks power play goal as the Blues defense suffered another total cave-in around their goal.

JAGR COMING BACK?

For several weeks, NHL insiders have speculated about the financial troubles of Russia’s KHL and the possibility that some players could return to North America. Ray Emery left the country after struggling to collect his salary.

The Edmonton Journal suggested that Jaromir Jagr could actually return this season and finish out with the Oilers. The team denies all this, but the situation bears watching.

AROUND THE RINKS: Our Town’s Mike McKenna, a former Blues camper, is 1-0-1 with a 1.57 goals-against average for the Lightning. The former St. Lawrence University goaltender is making the most of first NHL promotion. A rash of goaltender injuries for Tampa Bay gave him his opportunity . . . Our Town’s Ben Bishop, meanwhile, proved that he needs more work at the AHL level. Bishop started 11 of the last 12 games for the Rivermen and posted a subpar save percentage (.898) and goals-against average (3.05) . . . The Blue Jackets put Steve Mason on injured reserve with mononucleosis, but he could return as soon as Friday . . . Former Blue Curtis Sanford posted a 1.05 goals-against average and a .960 save percentage during his first five games in the AHL. Vancouver put him on waivers and he cleared. The Blues could do worse than Sanford if a sudden need develops here . . . The Oilers lost offensive defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky for the rest of the season after he underwent shoulder surgery . . . Sean Avery is getting back in shape for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate. If all goes well, he will make his triumphant return to Broadway. The Stars are glad to be rid of him . . . To nobody’s shock, Leafs GM Brian Burke is all but broadcasting his intentions to move center Nik Antropov . . . With snipers Thomas Vanek (Buffalo) and Michael Ryder (Boston) out, we’re seeing some line-shuffling in that neck of the NHL woods . . . The Canucks are still looking to move an offensive defenseman and the Devils are still looking to add one, so keep an eye on that.