Thursday night at Nationwide Arena was a rollercoaster for hockey fans, delivering a wild 13-goal thriller that ended in an electrifying overtime finish. Goalies, coaches, and sportswriters might have had a tough time keeping up, but for fans, it was nothing short of spectacular. With Zach Werenski leading the charge, the Columbus Blue Jackets clawed back from a 3-0 deficit to edge out the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-6, marking a night full of drama and record-breaking moments.
Zach Werenski’s Career-Defining Night
Zach Werenski was the undisputed hero of the game, sealing the win with his second goal of the night just 1:26 into overtime. This wasn’t just another game for Werenski—it was a career milestone. His five-point night, consisting of two goals and three assists, set a personal best and made him the only defenseman in Blue Jackets history to notch five points in a single game.
Werenski, who is tracking for a standout season, now co-leads the team in scoring with 6-13-19. He’s also tied for second among NHL defensemen in points, sharing the spotlight with elite players like Quinn Hughes and Josh Morrissey. It’s clear Werenski has embraced his leadership role on the team. As head coach Dean Evason put it, “When he wants the puck, he goes and gets it. When he wants to defend, he defends. He’s amazing.”
A Game of Comebacks and High Stakes
For the Blue Jackets, overcoming a 3-0 deficit wasn’t entirely new territory—it was the sixth time in franchise history they’ve pulled off such a feat. The win also marked their seventh comeback from a three-goal deficit, setting a franchise record for goals scored through the first 19 games of a season at 66.
“It’s different, right?” Werenski said after the game. “I don’t mind it, but it’s kind of frustrating when you score, and then they score, and it’s back-and-forth like that. But tonight was fun because we got the win, and that’s all that matters.”
Takeaways from the Game: Key Players Shine
The night wasn’t just about Werenski. Several other Blue Jackets players stepped up in big ways:
1. Kent Johnson: Back with a Bang
Returning from a 14-game absence due to a shoulder injury, Kent Johnson looked right at home in the chaos. Playing on Adam Fantilli’s line, Johnson logged 14:58 of ice time and contributed two crucial goals—one on the power play and another shorthanded. His scoring now stands at 4-3-7 in just five games.
“These are really fun games,” Johnson said with a grin. “You feel like you’re on the pond a little bit. I knew it’d be fine coming back, but you can’t emulate a real game in practice. I definitely needed this.”
2. Sean Monahan: The Steady Catalyst
Sean Monahan continued to prove his worth, finishing with a goal and three assists. His four-point night tied him with Werenski for the team scoring lead. Monahan’s contributions have been instrumental in driving the Blue Jackets’ offense, and his performance against Tampa Bay was no exception.
3. Damon Severson: Rising to the Occasion
After facing some criticism and a potential demotion, Damon Severson stepped up in a big way. He played solidly for 23:30, assisting on Monahan’s goal and earning a promotion back to the second defensive pairing alongside Ivan Provorov. Consistency remains the key for Severson, but his response to being challenged was impressive.
Dominance in Analytics: A Positive Trend
While the scoreline might suggest an even match, the underlying numbers tell a different story. After a shaky start that saw Tampa Bay jump to a 3-0 lead, the Blue Jackets dominated the rest of the game. They outshot the Lightning 43-30, marking the fourth time this season they’ve topped 40 shots in a game.
Even more striking were the scoring chances. The Blue Jackets had a staggering 45-16 edge in total scoring chances and a 19-9 advantage in high-danger opportunities, according to Natural Stat Trick. In the second period alone, Columbus out-chanced Tampa Bay 20-3, including an 8-3 margin in high-danger situations.
This dominance wasn’t a fluke. Despite a 3-6-1 record in their past 10 games, the Blue Jackets have consistently outperformed opponents in scoring chances. If they can tighten up defensively, they could be on the verge of a significant winning streak.
Franchise Records and Fan Excitement
The win against Tampa Bay wasn’t just thrilling—it was historic. The Blue Jackets set a franchise record for goals scored through the first 19 games of a season, reflecting their offensive firepower. For fans, it was a night to remember, full of dramatic swings and edge-of-your-seat moments.
Final Thoughts
Hockey games like these don’t come around often, and when they do, they’re unforgettable. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday night was a showcase of resilience, skill, and determination. Whether it was Werenski’s heroics, Johnson’s triumphant return, or the team’s overall dominance in scoring chances, the game had something for everyone.
As the Blue Jackets look to build on this momentum, one thing is clear: they’re a team capable of delivering high-stakes entertainment. And for fans at Nationwide Arena, that’s the kind of hockey worth cheering for.
Login