COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — R.J. Umberger had three goals for the third time in his career and Steve Mason stopped 39 shots Friday night to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 5-1 victory over Carolina, dealing a critical loss to the Hurricanes’ diminishing playoff hopes.
The Hurricanes, who had won their last four games, came in six points behind eighth-place Washington in the Eastern Conference playoff race with eight games remaining.
Vinny Prospal added a goal and an assist, Derick Brassard assisted on each of Umberger’s goals, and Nikita Nikitin and Jack Johnson each had two helpers. The second for Johnson was the 100th assist of his career.
Drayson Bowman scored for the Hurricanes.
