Garon leads Columbus Blue Jackets to 2-0 victory over Coyotes

Blue Jackets beat Coyotes 2-0

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Rick Nash and R.J. Umberger scored goals, Mathieu Garon stopped 36 shots and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat Phoenix 2-0 on Saturday night in the Coyotes’ home opener.

Nash scored an even-strength goal midway through the first period and Umberger iced the game with an empty-netter with 17 seconds left.

Phoenix had a chance to tie early in the third period, when Columbus center Derick Brassard drew blood with a high stick to the forehead of Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle, resulting in a 4-minute penalty. But the Blue Jackets killed off that penalty, and the Coyotes didn’t threaten again.

It was Garon’s third career shutout of the Coyotes, his first with Columbus.