Jackets win, score point in 10th straight game

3/17/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Sergei Bobrovsky made 39 saves in regulation and overtime, then two more in the shootout to finish with his second career shutout — both coming in the last week — to lift surging Columbus to a 1-0 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday night, extending the Blue Jackets’ franchise record point streak to 10 games.

Artem Anisimov and Mark Letestu scored in the shootout, making nice moves then firing shots past Mike Smith, who made 23 saves and got credit for a shutout, his fourth this season and 23rd of his career. It was the fourth straight shootout for the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets improved to 6-0-4 in their last 10 games taking 16 of 20 possible points. Bobrovsky has been a big reason why, stopping 239 of 245 shots in his past eight games.

Phoenix has dropped four of its last six.

There wasn’t much end to end play in the game, but when there was a chance, the goalies were there to snuff them out.

In overtime, Bobrovsky gloved a tough Martin Hanzal shot seemingly with ease and Brandon Dubinsky nearly jammed home the winner, but Smith also kept his cool hugging the post. The most dramatic chance in the third period came with under a minute left. Antoine Vermette had a clean look at the Columbus net from the slot but Bobrovsky turned it aside.

In the second period, Matt Calvert couldn't beat Smith from in tight after the puck squirted to him from behind the net. Later, Smith took matters into his own hands trying to create a little offense.