Charlie Coyle’s hat trick boosts Blue Jackets past Blackhawks

Charlie Coyle scored his second career hat trick and added an assist to lead the surging Columbus Blue Jackets to their fourth straight win, 4-2 over the host Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

Coyle, who added an assist, has five goals and four assists in his past three games.

Mathieu Olivier had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets, who have won eight of their past nine to move into the Eastern Conference playoff race. Zach Werenski had two assists, and Elvis Merzlikins made 23 saves.