DENVER (AP) -- Cam Atkinson scored three goals and Steve Mason stopped 35 shots, helping the Columbus Blue Jackets put an end to Colorado's postseason aspirations -- and put San Jose in the playoffs -- with a 5-2 win over the Avalanche on Thursday night.
Rick Nash added two goals for the suddenly surging Blue Jackets, who have won four of five but are still guaranteed to finish with the worst record in the NHL.
This was a crushing loss for the Avalanche as they were officially eliminated from the playoff picture. As it was, they would've needed help -- and lots of it -- to crash the party.
David Jones and Paul Stastny scored for a rested Colorado squad that hadn't played in nearly a week.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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