Blue Jackets rout Blackhawks, Chicago still clinches playoff berth

Blue Jackets rout Blackhawks

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Antoine Vermette had two goals and an assist, and the Columbus Blue Jackets scored four second-period goals to hand the Chicago Blackhawks their worst loss of the season, 8-3 on Thursday night.

The Blackhawks missed a chance to clinch a playoff berth on their own, but secured a spot when Calgary lost to the New York Islanders.

Kristian Huselius also scored twice, and Mike Commodore, Andrew Murray, Jackub Voracek — on a penalty shot — and rookie Mike Blunden also found the net.

Samuel Pahlsson added two assists and Steve Mason made 38 saves.

The eights goals for Columbus set a mark for most scored at home and tied the franchise record for most in a game.

Kris Versteeg, Tomas Kopecky and Adam Burish scored for Chicago.