NHL: Chicago 5, Columbus 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 20 (UPI) -- Patrick Sharp scored twice Tuesday and the Chicago Blackhawks claimed their fourth straight win with a 5-1 spanking of Columbus.

Marian Hossa and Andrew Shaw each chipped in with a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks, who used the victory to pull within two points of Detroit for sixth place in the Western Conference.

Duncan Keith racked up four assists and Corey Crawford turned aside 24 shots for Chicago.

Rick Nash scored for the last-place Blue Jackets, who fell for the fifth time in six contests.

Columbus goalie Steve Mason yielded five goals on 27 shots.