Detroit, MI – Tomas Holmstrom had two goals to pace a balanced offensive attack as the Detroit Red Wings routed the Columbus Blue Jackets, 7-2, on Monday at Joe Louis Arena.
With the victory, Detroit claimed a place in the postseason party for a franchise-record 21st consecutive season.
Pavel Datsyuk had a goal and an assist, while Gustav Nyquist, Jiri Hudler, Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart all scored for the Red Wings, who have won two straight after dropping six in a row.
Henrik Zetterberg and Todd Bertuzzi had four helpers apiece, while Niklas Kronwall and Valtteri Filppula chipped in with two assists each. Ty Conklin turned away 24 shots in the victory.
With 97 points, Detroit moved one ahead of the idle Nashville Predators and into fourth place in the Western Conference with six games remaining. Nashville and Detroit will meet on Friday.
Rick Nash had a goal and an assist and Mark Letestu scored for the Blue Jackets, who have lost three of their last four games. Steve Mason was torched for six goals on 28 shots, while Allen York gave up one goal on 11 shots.
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