Sat Apr 5 20:34:56 2008

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Legace and Blues blank Blue Jackets

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St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Manny Legace made 25 saves to record his fifth shutout of the season and 23rd of his career, as the St. Louis Blues blanked the Columbus Blue Jackets, 3-0, in the front end of a home-and-home set at Scottrade Center.

The clubs will wrap up their seasons Sunday in Columbus.

Keith Tkachuk tallied twice, while Paul Kariya and Andy McDonald each collected two assists for the Blues, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Pascal Leclaire allowed three goals on 25 shots for the Blue Jackets, who have lost four straight.

Brad Boyes' team-leading 42nd goal of the season opened the scoring at the 8:36 mark of the first period. While up a man, Boyes snapped a wrister from the top of the left circle that sailed over the catching glove of Leclaire.

Tkachuk's power-play marker gave the Blues a 2-0 lead with 4:06 to play before the first intermission. Kariya was isolated at the point and unleashed a slap shot that deflected off the right skate of Tkachuk, who was positioned in the low slot, and between the pads of Leclaire.

After a scoreless middle stanza, Tkachuk's second goal put the game away. As Kariya glided down the right wing, he spotted Tkachuk streaking down the left side and slid a perfect pass for an easy tap-in at the 1:30 mark of the third period.

Game Notes

Tkachuk now has 499 career goals and will look to become only the fourth American-born player to reach 500, joining Joe Mullen, Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick, in Sunday's season finale...Columbus Ken Hitchcock coached the 900th game of his NHL career, becoming the 20th coach in NHL history to reach that milestone...Columbus has lost seven straight on the road...St. Louis finished 2-for-4 on the power play. Columbus went 0-for-2...Columbus forward Jason Chimera left early in the first period with a groin injury.