Regulation Settle
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the visiting Dallas Stars 2-1 on Thursday at Nationwide Arena. The contest remained deadlocked through the first two periods before a flurry of scoring in the third frame sent the game into overtime, and ultimately, a shootout.
Dallas struck first in the third period when Mikko Rantanen scored his ninth goal of the season. The 9-1 lead was established via a wrist shot, with Wyatt Johnston providing the assist. The Stars maintained their advantage until late in the regular play, when Columbus answered back to tie the game at 1-1.
Zach Werenski netted his first career goal on a backhand finish. Kent Johnson and Matthew Knies were credited with assists on the tying marker, which forced the teams to overtime. Neither side could find the winner in the extra period, leading to the shootout to determine the victor.
Shootout Decides
With regulation scoreless in overtime, the Blue Jackets emerged victorious in the shootout. Valeri Nichushkin opened Columbus’s efforts with a backhand goal. Kent Johnson followed suit, scoring on a wrist shot to seal the 2-1 final result for Columbus.
