The Columbus Blue Jackets used a big first period to pave the way for a 5-0 demolition of the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday night at Nationwide Arena.
Sergei Bobrovsky made 35 saves for his second shutout of the season, as his counterpart James Reimer was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on 20 shots.
A goal and assist from Scott Hartnell led the way for the Blue Jackets.
Columbus took a 3-0 lead on goals separated by just 5:09 in the first period. Artem Anisimov opened the scoring for the home team 13:51 into the period after some nice cycling play led to his shot from the slot. Boone Jenner added a second just 2:05 after that after a nice fed from Ryan Johansen from the corner.
The Leafs struggled with the Jackets muscle down low, leading to the Columbus forwards dominating the corners and dragging defenders with them leaving the slot open. Much of the puck possession went Columbus’ way as the Leafs failed to generate much offence.
Scott Hartnell added one late in the period for his 27th of the season and to give his team a comfortable lead heading into the intermission.
Ryan Murray - who has struggled all season with injuries - scored 3:30 into the second period to continue Columbus’ siege on the Leafs. His 11th of the year was the end of Reimer’s night who was pulled in favour of Jonathan Bernier.
Jeremy Morin added the Blue Jackets’ final goal of the night with a shot straight at the net from the point that went through traffic and past the goaltender. That’d be the only goal of the night Bernier would allow, as he made 12 saves.
The Maple Leafs finish their 41-game road schedule 8-27-6; the eight wins are a league worst. Although the Jackets don’t have much to play for, they’ve been one of the NHL’s hottest teams, stretching a points streak to 11 games.
Columbus has two games remaining in it’s season; a home date with bottom-of-the-league Buffalo Sabres and an away game in New York against the Islanders. The Leafs play their season finale on Saturday as they play host to the Montreal Canadiens.
