Jackets top struggling Leafs

First Posted:

TORONTO — Dalton Prout and Artem Anisimov scored second-period goals, and the Columbus Blue Jackets held off the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 on Monday night.

Toronto dropped its third straight since the Winter Olympics. The Maple Leafs had won seven consecutive at home, their best stretch there since a nine-game run in the 2006-07 season.

Prout, a defenseman, and Anisimov scored less than three minutes apart for Columbus. Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves in the win. The Blue Jackets completed a three-game season sweep of Toronto.

Mason Raymond had the lone goal for Toronto, bringing the Maple Leafs within a goal with 4:15 remaining. Toronto made a late flurry after goalie James Reimer was pulled for an extra skater, but couldn’t tie it.

Reimer made 31 saves.

Toronto had won five of six before the Olympic break to climb up the Eastern Conference standings, but the Maple Leafs are 0-1-2 since the NHL resumed play last week. The Maple Leafs are in fifth place in the conference, but five teams are within five points.

Reimer, making his first start since Jan. 25, was sharp early as the Blue Jackets applied pressure, including a clear-cut breakaway by Nick Foligno less than four minutes into the game that was denied.

Aided by a pair of power plays in the middle of the opening period, Toronto took over the momentum and had a handful of scoring chances but couldn’t solve Bobrovsky.