COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 25 (UPI) -- Antoine Vermette and Kristian Huselius led an offensive outburst with two goals each Thursday, sending the Columbus Blue Jackets romping past Chicago 8-3.
Despite the setback, the Blackhawks became the first team in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff berth. Chicago, which went into the game with a one-point lead for first place in the conference over San Jose, wrapped up a post-season berth when Calgary lost to the New York Islanders.
Columbus, which is out of the playoff hunt, scored twice in the first period and then tacked on four goals in the second. Huselius produced two of the first four Columbus goals to run his total for the season to 23.
Vermette has 25 goals in the campaign.
Steve Mason made 38 saves for the Blue Jackets. Cristobal Huet opened the game in goal and allowed seven scores on 27 shots before being removed in favor of Antti Niemi.
