Blue Jackets win sixth straight as Merzlikins posts first shutout of season

The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the New Jersey Devils 3-0 for their sixth consecutive win, with Elvis Merzlikins making 24 saves for his first shutout of the season and Mathieu Olivier scoring twice.

The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the New Jersey Devils 3-0 in Newark, with Elvis Merzlikins posting a 24-save shutout and Mathieu Olivier scoring twice. Dante Fabbro returned from a skate-blade laceration and opened the scoring with a third-period goal. The win was Columbus' sixth in a row and came before 15,551 at Prudential Center. Coach Rick Bowness has emphasized checking, defending and pace since taking over, and the team has improved its record in recent weeks. Key details: - Final score: Columbus 3, New Jersey 0, at Prudential Center with 15,551 in attendance. - Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins had 24 saves for his first shutout of the season and the 12th of his NHL career. - Dante Fabbro returned after missing six games with a laceration to the top of his foot and scored at 5:24 of the third period. - Mathieu Olivier scored twice, including a goal on a breakaway and an automatic empty-net goal after a slash by Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. - The Blue Jackets are 10-1-0 since Jan. 10 and 9-1-0 since Rick Bowness became coach; the run has moved them within four points of the New York Islanders for third in the Metro and within five points of the Boston Bruins for a wild-card spot. - Columbus played without winger Kirill Marchenko because of a flu-like illness; there was mention of a possible return for the team's next scheduled home game. Summary: The win extended Columbus' streak to six games and reinforced recent defensive improvements highlighted by the coach's changes. Elvis Merzlikins viewed recent games as part of his Olympic preparation, and the team heads into a condensed schedule with the Olympics approaching later in the week. Undetermined at this time.