Blue Jackets 2, Jets 1
Ryan Johansen recorded his first career two-goal performance and Steve Mason came within 3:45 of his 19th career shutout as the Columbus Blue Jackets halted a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 home triumph over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.
Nikita Nikitin notched an assist in his debut with the Blue Jackets, who have blanked the Jets franchise four times in winning six straight meetings.
Jeff Carter returned to Columbus' lineup after missing 10 games with a fractured foot but did not register a point.
Johansen opened the scoring 53 seconds into the contest with a slap shot from the top of the right faceoff circle. The rookie, who has scored the decisive goal in all three of Columbus' victories this season, doubled the lead just over four minutes into the third by backhanding a pass from Vinny Prospal past Ondrej Pavelec.
Acquired from St. Louis on Friday, Nikitin picked up the secondary assist on Johansen's second tally.
Mason turned aside the first 34 shots he faced before allowing Mark Stuart's shorthanded goal late in the third. The former Calder Trophy winner has stopped 50 of 51 shots in two career starts - both victories - against the Jets franchise.
Pavelec, who fell to 0-4-0 lifetime vs. Columbus, made 25 saves as Winnipeg dropped its fifth consecutive game.