GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Returning to the ice less than 24 hours after a shootout victory didn't phase Ladislav Nagy and the Phoenix Coyotes.
Nagy had a goal and two assists, and David LeNeveu made 23 saves to help the Phoenix Coyotes beat Columbus 5-1 on Sunday night, extending the Blue Jackets' losing streak to five.
``I feel really good on the ice right now,'' said Nagy, who has a point in six straight games. ``I've got a lot of confidence.''
Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky said Nagy played his best game of the season Saturday during Phoenix's 4-3 shootout victory in San Jose.
Nagy extended his scoring streak on Phoenix's first goal, setting up Mike Johnson's goal from behind the net on a give-and-go at 6:37 of the first period. Johnson bounced the puck off the back of Columbus goalie Marc Denis for the power-play score.
``They play well together,'' Gretzky said. ``Nagy has a tremendous patience. That pass is a difficult one to make. You need to be patient and draw as much of the defense as you can before making the pass.''
Zbynek Michalek, Boyd Devereaux and former Blue Jackets forward Geoff Sanderson also scored for the Coyotes, who won for the third time in four games.
Gilbert Brule scored his first NHL goal for the Blue Jackets, who have lost nine of 10.
``I'm happy that I got the first one out of the way, but I know this team needs a win,'' Brule. ``I think that would be more important.''
Nagy was credited with his goal midway through the second period when the puck bounced off his skate before being kicked into the goal by Blue Jackets defenseman Radoslav Suchy.
Brule cut the lead to 2-1 with 1:52 left in the second, beating LeNeveu - starting for the first time since Nov. 6 - from the top of the left circle. But Michalek answered 52 seconds later for the Coyotes on a one-timer from the high slot.
``That was the back-breaking play of the night,'' LeNeveu said.
Devereaux made it 4-1 with 14:29 to go when he bounced a puck off the inside of the left post and into the net. Sanderson extended the lead to 5-1, firing the puck between Denis' pads from the left circle with 6:14 to go.
Denis, who allowed the five goals on 32 shots, was replaced by Martin Prusek after Sanderson scored.
``We have a lot of young guys and veterans and mistakes came from everyone,'' said Columbus coach Gerard Gallant. ``You can live with the young guys making mistakes but it is a little tougher when the veterans are making mistakes.''
Notes: Denis has allowed five or more goals four times in 15 games. ... Columbus C Manny Malhotra had the lone assist on Brule's goal to give him 11 points, all on assists. ... Coyotes C Peter Nedved returned to the lineup for the first time since injuring his elbow Oct. 25. Playing in his 900th NHL game, he earned an assist on Nagy's goal. ... The Blue Jackets were whistled for four penalties in the first period, all for high-sticking. ... Johnson had a second goal waved off early in the second period when Denis Gauthier was called for goalie interference. ... Malhotra and Nikolai Zherdev each rang shots off the posts in the game's first 21 minutes.
