The Columbus Blue Jackets couldn’t close out another tight game Saturday night, falling 3–2 to the Vegas Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena. Holding a one-goal lead early in the third period, Columbus surrendered two goals and then failed to capitalize late, playing nearly three minutes with a 6-on-4 advantage after pulling the goalie but unable to find the tying goal before time expired.
Game Summary
The Columbus Blue Jackets were edged 3–2 by the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night at Nationwide Arena in a tightly played game that was decided by execution in key moments.
First Period
Columbus opened the scoring at 7:02 when Charlie Coyle scored his fifth goal of the season, finishing a wrist shot from the right circle after a pass from Zach Werenski. The Blue Jackets held a slight edge in play, outshooting Vegas 9–8 in the opening period. Each team had one power-play opportunity, but neither side converted, and Columbus carried a 1–0 lead into the first intermission.
Second Period
Vegas tied the game just 41 seconds into the period on a power-play goal by Pavel Dorofeyev, snapping a shot past Jet Greaves. Columbus killed the remainder of its penalties and pushed back at five-on-five, generating sustained zone time and quality chances. After 40 minutes, the Blue Jackets held a 19–15 edge in shots, but the game remained tied 1–1.
Third Period
Columbus regained the lead at 4:49 when Yegor Chinakhov scored his third goal of the season, cutting across the slot and beating Carter Hart with a wrist shot. The lead was short-lived. Ben Hutton tied the game at 5:52, and later Brayden McNabb scored the go-ahead goal at 13:13 with a low-angle shot from the right side.
Despite another strong effort, Columbus was again left without a result.
“We played our (butts) off. It was unfortunate we didn’t get rewarded,” head coach Dean Evason said.
Columbus had a prime chance to force overtime late. McNabb was assessed a double minor for high-sticking Adam Fantilli at 17:01, giving the Blue Jackets 2:59 of power-play time. With 1:08 remaining, Jet Greaves was pulled to create a 6-on-4 advantage, but Columbus was unable to convert.
“We were saying on the bench, ‘Believe it, trust it — it’s there for us,’” Coyle said. “You’ve got to take advantage of it.”
Greaves finished with 22 saves, making several key stops after Vegas tied the game to keep Columbus within reach. Still, the Blue Jackets were unable to capitalize at the most critical moments.
“There was some good in that game,” Cole Sillinger said. “But not good enough for a full 60 minutes.”
Game Stats
| Stat | VGK | CBJ |
| Shots on Goal | 25 | 29 |
| Faceoff % | 41.9% | 58.1% |
| Power Play | 1/3 | 0/3 |
| Penalty Minutes | 8 | 6 |
| Hits | 15 | 15 |
| Blocked Shots | 20 | 19 |
| Giveaways | 14 | 16 |
| Takeaways | 5 | 7 |
3 Stars of the Game
1. Mitch Marner (VGK)
G: 0 | A: 3 | P: 3
2. Brayden McNabb (VGK)
G: 1 | A: 0 | P: 1
3. Charlie Coyle (CBJ)
G: 1 | A: 0 | P: 1
My Takeaway
This loss sums up why Columbus is now on a five-game losing streak. The effort is there, the games are close, and the structure hasn’t completely fallen apart — but results don’t lie. Through two periods, this was an even hockey game. The shots were close, the pace was manageable, and Jet Greaves kept Columbus in it with key saves.
Where it falls apart is in the moments that decide games. Columbus had nearly three minutes of power-play time late, including an extended 6-on-4, and still couldn’t find the tying goal. That’s not bad luck — that’s execution. Over a five-game stretch, those missed chances turn into losses.
This streak isn’t about effort anymore. It’s about finish. Until Columbus starts converting on key opportunities — especially late in games — this five-game skid will continue, no matter how competitive they look on the surface.
Next Game
Tuesday, Dec. 16 — Anaheim Ducks at Columbus Blue Jackets
📍 Nationwide Arena
🕖 7:00 PM EDT
