Bobrovsky stars as Blue Jackets power past Caps
>> WASHINGTON: The Columbus Blue Jackets’ NHL-worst power play scored twice and Sergei Bobrovsky made 33 saves in a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Friday night.
Oliver Bjorkstrand scored in his return to the line-up and Anthony Duclair had his seventh goal of the season for Columbus, who have three power-play goals during their twogame winning streak. They entered the night 7 of 59 on the power play, an 11.9 percent conversion rate.
Bobrovsky bailed his teammates out on a turnover-filled night that saw him face 34 shots. Fellow Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby did the same for Washington, stopping 34 shots.
Matt Niskanen had a power-play goal for the defending Stanley Cup champions Capitals.
John Tavares scored his ninth goal of the season, Patrick Marleau had his 600th NHL assist and hosts Toronto beat New Jersey 6-1.
Nazem Kadri, Connor Brown, Andreas Johnsson, Morgan Rielly and Tyler Ennis also scored, and Frederik Andersen made 38 saves. Toronto improved to 11-5-0 with their third straight victory.
Marleau was involved in Kadri’s goal, becoming the 88th NHL player to reach the 600 assist milestone. The only other active player with 600 assists is San Jose’s Joe Thornton with 1,032. Marleau scored on a late tip but the goal was waved off on review because of a high stick. Travis Zajac scored for New Jersey. Dylan Larkin scored with 5.1 seconds remaining in overtime to lift hosts Detroit past New York 3-2.
Andreas Athanasiou, who had tied the game with 2:02 minutes remaining in the third period, backhanded a pass to Larkin, who redirected the puck past Henrik Lundqvist for his seventh goal of the season. The Rangers led 2-0 after two periods but had their fourgame winning streak snapped.
Detroit have won five of six after winning just one of their first 10 games.
Kevin Shattenkirk and Neal Pionk scored 40 seconds apart during an extended New York power play late in the second period, but Justin Abdelkader began the Detroit rally with a goal early in the third.