The Columbus Blue Jackets earned a 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena, delivering a strong performance in Rick Bowness’ debut behind the bench.
Columbus saw 2-0 and 3-2 leads slip away. Finally, Boone Jenner scored the late game-winning goal to seal the win in Rick Bowness’ debut behind the bench; Zach Werenski and Charlie Coyle led the way offensively with three points each. In goal, Jet Greaves turned aside 29 shots as Columbus delivered a much-needed response on home ice.
Game Summary
The Columbus Blue Jackets showed resilience and urgency on Tuesday night, earning a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames in a game that felt like a full-team response in Rick Bowness’ debut behind the bench. The turning point came late in the third period when Boone Jenner scored the game-winning goal at 18:26, with just 1 minute and 34 seconds remaining. It was Jenner’s eighth goal of the season and capped a night where Columbus refused to let the game slip away.
Charlie Coyle continued his strong night with two goals, scoring his eighth earlier in the game before sealing the win with an empty-net goal for his ninth of the season. Zach Werenski added a goal and two assists, including Columbus’ only power-play goal of the night, his 17th of the season. At five-on-five, the Flames were unable to beat Jet Greaves, as all three of Calgary’s goals came on the power play. Notably, it marked the first time in Columbus’ last 17 games that they allowed two power-play goals in the same contest.
The third period was wide open and played at a high pace, with both teams trading chances and momentum. Columbus outshot Calgary 19-17 in the final frame, with four goals scored in a thrilling 20-minute stretch that reflected the desperation and competitiveness on both sides. Overall, the Blue Jackets finished with over 40 shots for just the third time this season and for the first time since November 5, while Calgary also generated over 30 shots, highlighting how open the game became as it wore on.
More than the numbers, this was a game defined by compete level. Columbus pushed through adversity, answered every challenge, and played with clear intent to deliver a win for their new head coach. It was a complete effort built on resilience, structure, and belief — exactly the type of performance the Blue Jackets will look to build on moving forward.
Notes:
Werenski extended his personal home point streak to 15 games (29 points; 11 goals, 18 assists). … Columbus defenseman Damon Severson did not play because of illness. Dysin Mayo, recalled from Cleveland of the American Hockey League on Tuesday, replaced him and was plus-1 in 8:03 of ice time.
My Takeaway
It was a great first impression for Columbus under new head coach Rick Bowness. It was not always perfect, but the Blue Jackets never quit. The Flames tied the game twice, and each time Columbus responded by pushing harder and staying committed to the game plan. Bowness’ message was simple: play a full 60 minutes with effort, urgency, and structure — and the players clearly bought in.
Jet Greaves came up with several big saves at key moments to keep his team in the game, while Zach Werenski continued his strong season with another multi-point performance. It marked his fifth three-point game of the season and his 17th multi-point outing overall. Veteran Charlie Coyle also delivered an excellent performance, recording three points with two goals for the first time this season and finishing the night at plus-3. Overall, it was a resilient team effort and a solid foundation to build on under the new coaching staff.
Next Game
Thursday, Jan. 15 — Columbus hosts the Vancouver Canucks at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM EDT. The Canucks enter the matchup riding an eight-game losing streak as the Blue Jackets look to build momentum at home.
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