The Colorado Avalanche arrived in Columbus on Friday night fighting remain in the playoff picture in the Western Conference and then played like it, shutting out the Blue Jackets 5-0.
The Avalanche used an early break to jump start the win. As the first period was winding down, Blue Jackets' Colton Gillies bounced a shot off the crossbar, but the puck caromed out of the Colorado end setting up a 2-on-1 scoring opportunity for Colorado which David Jones cashed in when his wrister from the right side beat Columbus goalie Steve Mason.
Jones would score another goal to open the third period and the as the Avs blew it open with three third-period goals to cap a rough night for Mason between the pipes. Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov registered his third shutout of the season by stopping all 28 shots against him to give Colorado their second consecutive win.
Columbus remains in the cellar of the Western Conference, losing their third game in the in their last four. The Blue Jackets are back on the ice on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins.
For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, head to The Cannon. For more on the Colorado Avalanche, check out Mile High Hockey.