NHL: Columbus 2, Nashville 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31 (UPI) -- Rookie Steve Mason had 21 saves Tuesday in a 2-1 Columbus win over Nashville that carried the Blue Jackets another step toward their first playoff appearance.

Mason won his 32nd game of the season while the Blue Jackets, who had lost three of four going into the game, got goals from R.J. Umberger and Raffi Torres.

The victory gives Columbus 88 points and the Blue Jackets are in sixth place in the NHL Western Conference with five games to play.

Cal O'Reilly scored Nashville's lone goal and Pekka Rinne stopped 31 shots for the Predators, who had won three straight going into the game.