Blue Jackets 3, Red Wings 2 (SO)
Antoine Vermette scored in the fourth round of the shootout and Steve Mason denied all attempts in the bonus session as the Columbus Blue Jackets skated to a 3-2 triumph over the visiting Detroit Red Wings on Friday in the opener of a home-and-home series between the Central Division rivals.
The loss was especially painful for the Red Wings as star goaltender Jimmy Howard exited the contest in the first period after suffering a knee injury.
The New York native blocked a shot by Derick Brassard and then fell to the ice. Howard, who was then gingerly helped off the ice was relieved by Joey MacDonald, who stopped all 21 shots he faced in this one.
Jakub Voracek scored and defenseman Grant Clitsome netted his first career NHL goal as Columbus (21-20-3) snapped a five-game losing skid and finally secured franchise victory No. 300.
The Blue Jackets had been stuck on victory No. 299 since defeating the Ottawa Senators on New Year's Eve.
Mason finished with 26 saves to improve to 13-11-1 this season.
Drew Miller netted a shorthanded tally and Jiri Hudler also tallied nearly three minutes apart in the second period for division-leading Detroit (27-11-6).