COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sixteen minutes was all it took.
Sidney Crosby scored two goals to extend his point streak to 15 games, and the Penguins won their ninth straight by routing the Blue Jackets 7-2 on Saturday night.
The game was essentially over after Crosby’s first goal made it 4-0 with four minutes left in the opening period.
“We capitalized on a few mistakes they made,” said Crosby, who has 17 goals and 14 assists in his streak. “That helped. Obviously when you get a few and get a lead, they start thinking a bit where maybe they need to change things. We were happy with the start.”
A loud capacity crowd — bolstered by several thousand Penguins fans, many wearing Crosby’s No. 87 sweater — seemed primed for a competitive game. But Paul Martin’s two quick power-play goals, one by Michael Rupp and Crosby’s first (also with a man advantage) drained all the suspense.
Tyler Kennedy and Deryk Engelland also scored for the Penguins, who have points in 12 consecutive games (11-0-1).
