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Blue Jackets can tie franchise mark for consecutive wins

Dec 14, 2006 - 3:48 PM Columbus (11-16-2) at Phoenix (11-18-1) 9:00 pm EST

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Fredrik Norrena's solid play in goal is making coach Ken Hitchcock look like a genius.

Norrena is expected to be back in net on Thursday when the Columbus Blue Jackets meet the Phoenix Coyotes. Columbus is seeking a franchise record-tying sixth consecutive victory.

The 33-year-old Norrena, who helped Finland win a silver medal at the Torino Olympics in February, opened the run with consecutive shutouts at Edmonton and Colroado.

After being fired by the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this season, Hitchcock has guided the Blue Jackets to six wins in nine games.

David Vyborny, Dan Fritsche and Jason Chimera scored goals and Norrena made 25 saves for the Blue Jackets in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars.

Columbus will try to tie the team record for longest winning streak set from March 24-April 3 against a Phoenix squad that has dropped four of its last five contests.

Oleg Saprykin netted his seventh tally and Dave Scatchard added his third for the Coyotes, who yielded four first-period goals in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to Vancouver.

The Blue Jackets have won three of the last four encounters against Phoenix, including a 5-1 victory on October 9. Rick Nash scored twice for Columbus.