Varlamov, Avs blank Blue Jackets

Columbus, OH – David Jones backed Semyon Varlamov's third 0 win over the Blue Jackets on Friday.

Varlamov stopped 28 shots for his seventh career shutout. Steve Downie added a goal and an assist while Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Hunwick also found the back of the net for the Avalanche, who have won two in a row and three of four. They earned their 66th point to pull even with Dallas, Calgary and Los Angeles for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Stars play later Friday.

The Blue Jackets, who got 20 saves from Steve Mason, have dropped three of their last four.