COLUMBUS (AP) — Cam Atkinson had two goals and scored in the shootout, helping the Blue Jackets beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Tuesday night for their franchise-record 10th straight victory.
Curtis McElhinney made 44 saves and Sam Gagner scored the decider in the shootout, keeping Columbus unbeaten since Nov. 26.
The Jackets have points in 12 straight games, improved to 21-5-4 and host the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night with a chance to jump into first place in the brutally competitive Metropolitan Division.
Jeff Carter scored twice for Los Angeles, including a tying goal 10:16 into the third period, and also got a goal in the shootout. Peter Budaj stopped 25 shots but allowed goals on 2 of 3 shootout attempts.