NHL: Columbus 3, Detroit 2 (SO)

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Antoine Vermette scored the only goal of the shootout in the fourth round Friday, lifting the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-2 win over Detroit.

The Red Wings were without goaltender Jimmy Howard for most of the contest. After giving up two goals on 11 shots, Howard left the game with a bruised right knee.

Joey MacDonald came on for Howard and was perfect through the final two periods, overtime and the first three rounds of the shootout.

Vermette finally beat MacDonald to give the Blue Jackets their first win in six games.

Columbus took a 2-0 lead through one period on goals by Jakub Voracek and Grant Clitsome.

Detroit rallied to tie it in the second with Drew Miller scoring shorthanded and Jiri Hudler's wrist shot beating Steve Mason.

Mason made 26 saves to pick up his first victory of 2011.

MacDonald stopped 21 shots.