Atkinson's hat trick leads Blue Jackets over Blackhawks

The Columbus Blue Jackets are playing the role of spoiler the rest of the season, and forward Cam Atkinson led the charge Friday, scoring two goals while adding an empty-netter in a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. It was Atkinson's second career hat trick, who now has 18 goals on the season

Atkinson's second goal of the contest chased Blackhawks netminder Corey Crawford in the first period after he allowed four goals on 13 shots.

"Obviously, a lot of people say it's hard to get motivated especially since we're not going to make the playoffs," Atkinson said. "But we're playing for pride, for each other and our fans back in Columbus."

"We want to get the momentum for summer and start strong for next year." 

The win was the fifth straight for Columbus who face the St. Louis Blues Saturday. The loss by Chicago closed the gap in the race for third in the Central Division after the Minnesota Wild downed the Calgary Flames. The Wild sit just on point behind Chicago with a game in hand.