NHL: Columbus 3, Montreal 0

MONTREAL, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Pascal Leclaire's league-leading ninth shutout this season Saturday gave the Columbus Blue Jackets a 3-0 victory against the Montreal Canadiens.

The only goal Leclaire needed was Rick Nash's 33rd at the 6:04 mark of the first period. Andrew Murray scored his fourth in the first and Manny Malhotra scored his sixth unassisted at 16:42 of the third.

Malhotra added an assist while Leclaire turned away the 31 shots he faced for the Blue Jackets, who finished 3-2-0 on a five-game road trip.

Netminder Carey Price allowed three goals on 22 shots for the Canadiens, who have dropped two straight after a four-game winning streak.

Before the contest, Montreal honored former captain and current General Manager Bob Gainey by retiring his No. 23 sweater.

Gainey, who was part of five Stanley Cup championships (1976-79, 86) during his 16 years (1973-89) with the club, became the 14th player in franchise history to have his number raised to the rafters.