Jackets blank Blues

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Pascal Leclaire stopped 21 shots for his NHL-best fifth shutout of the season and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the St. Louis Blues 3-0 on Sunday night.

Manny Malhotra, Rick Nash and Jason Chimera had goals for the Blue Jackets (8-3-2), who are off to the best start in the franchise's seven seasons. Malhotra added an assist and Adam Foote had two.

Leclaire came into the year with one shutout in 59 career games, but has five in nine starts this season -- tying a Columbus season record.

The Blue Jackets, the only team to never appear in the playoffs, are 5-0-1 in their last six games. They are tied for second place in the Western Conference.

The Blues have been shut out twice this year, both times by Leclaire.