Columbus shuts out Islanders, Jets back to winning ways
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Damon Severson broke a scoreless tie in the third period, Elvis Merzlikins stopped 28 shots for his first shutout of the season and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the New York Islanders 2-0 on Wednesday night.
It was the first time this season the Blue Jackets (5-3-1) have won two straight, but they have earned seven of a possible eight points in their last four games.
After both goalies turned away some great shots in the first two periods, Severson’s shot from a sharp angle on the right caromed off the skate of New York defenceman Ryan Pulock and into the net 5:43 into the third. It was Severson’s second goal of the season.
Semyon Varlamov made 24 saves for the Islanders (3-5-2) but was pulled for a sixth skater with 2:30 left. Justin Danforth then scored an empty-netter 27 seconds later.