Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk’s goal 1:26 into the game was the only bright spot for the St. Louis Blues who saw their season best six-game win streak come to an end, as well as their shutout streak of nearly 200 minutes, in a 4-1 loss at Columbus on Friday Night.
The Blue Jackets, battling for their playoff lives,got goals from Cam Atkinson, Artem Anisimov, Ryan Johansen and Marian Gaborik, and goaline Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 31 shots. Columbus now has 43 points — two behind the Red Wings, who lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Chicago Blackhawks, who clinched the Central Division.
The Blue Jackets also spoiled former coach Ken Hitchcock’s bid for his 600th career victory. Â The Blues have 48 points and a five point lead over Dallas, who currently sits in 9th place, with eight games left in the regular season.
The Blues will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, with Brian Elliott expected to start. Â He maintains his shutout streak heading into the rivalry matchup.
