COLUMBUS — It didn’t matter what the Columbus Blue Jackets did — they weren’t getting anything past Robin Lehner.
Lehner stopped 38 shots for his third career shutout and Jamie McGinn scored twice to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 4-0 victory over the Blue Jackets on Friday night.
“He’s an engaged goalie,” Buffalo coach Dan Bylsma said. “Maybe the most engaged goalie I’ve been able to coach and he was engaged tonight. He was certainly on his game, he was strong.”
Columbus began the third period trailing 2-0 but on the power play after officials called Buffalo forward Evander Kane for interference at the end of the second. Brandon Dubinsky had an open net opportunity in the first minute of the final period, but Lehner recovered in time to deny him.
Lehner made multiple crucial saves in the early minutes of the period to thwart any Columbus comeback attempt.
“Been working hard,” Lehner said. “Been some ups and downs. Just going to keep working and feel pretty good right now.”
Sam Reinhart and David Legwand also scored to help Buffalo win for the third time in four games (3-0-1).
Reinhart slipped a shot inside the post at 9:53 of the third for his 18th goal of the season to make it 4-0. Columbus had opportunities, but couldn’t capitalize because of Lehner.
“We had some Grade A chances where we could get back in that game,” Columbus coach John Tortorella said. “It’s a 4-0 game, but he’s a big reason why they win that game. He played very well.”
Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo gave up all four goals on 31 shots and was pulled with 8 1/2 minutes remaining. Curtis McElhinney finished up and stopped all four shots he saw, his first action since Jan. 2. Columbus activated him off injured reserve Monday.
