In Columbus, rookie netminder Elvis Merzlikins made 16 saves in his second straight shut out for the Blue Jackets. It is his fifth in eight games.
Zach Werenski had a goal for the Blue Jackets – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
“It’s positive for me and the team we got the win. That’s what matters,” Merzlikins said.
Columbus defeated the visiting Detroit Red Wings, 2-0.
“We didn’t give them much but [Merzlikins] made a couple of big saves for us,” Columbus coach John Tortorella said.
Detroit is 4-17-1 in the last 22 games.
“They’re a strong forechecking team, a big team that skates well,” the Red Wings’ Justin Abdelkader said. “Their [defensemen] can really skate up the ice. … We had [two] power plays, but nothing was going in. It was one of those grind ’em out games, especially on a back-to-back.”
For all that losing, the Wings still show more heart than the New York Rangers.
Zack Werenski staked the Blue Jackets to a 1-0 lead in the middle frame.
Boone Jenner sealed it with an empty net goal.
[WATCH: All Red Wings vs. Blue Jackets highlights]
Jimmy Howard made 42 saves in his 18th straight loss.
“We had the chances after two periods at 10-9, so it was a really close game,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “You look at the shots, it’s really lopsided. … We had tons of opportunities to shoot the puck. We just couldn’t shoot enough. We’ve got to shoot more.”
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