The Columbus Blue Jackets kept their momentum going Thursday night with a 4–1 win over the Vancouver Canucks at Nationwide Arena. Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson each finished with a goal and an assist as Columbus controlled the pace and capitalized on its chances. The loss extended Vancouver’s skid to nine straight games, as the Canucks once again struggled to match the intensity and structure of their opponent for a full 60 minutes.
Game Summary
The game was decided by Columbus’ special teams and early execution, starting in the first period.
The Blue Jackets opened the scoring at 17:25 of the first period when Charlie Coyle struck on the power play. Positioned at the left post, Coyle took a pass from Kirill Marchenko with his back to the net, spun forehand to backhand, and lifted the puck under the bar for his 10th goal of the season. It marked Coyle’s third straight game with a goal and gave Columbus a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission.
Columbus extended the lead early in the second period when Zach Werenski made it 3–0 with another power-play goal, his 18th of the season. The Blue Jackets continued their strong run on the man advantage, scoring a power-play goal for the third straight game, further exposing Vancouver’s penalty kill struggles.
Vancouver finally got on the board midway through the game when Brock Boeser scored his 10th goal of the season, briefly cutting into the deficit. However, the goal did little to change the flow, as Columbus remained in control at even strength and special teams.
In goal, Elvis Merzlikins delivered a steady performance, stopping 30 shots to earn his first win since December 4. The victory improved Columbus to 21-19-7, extending their winning streak to three games and marking their second straight win under new head coach Rick Bowness. Merzlikins had been 1-2-1 in five starts prior and had appeared in just one of the final ten games under former coach Dean Evason.
On the other side, Kevin Lankinen made 32 saves for Vancouver, but the Canucks’ struggles continued. The loss extended Vancouver’s skid to nine straight games (0-7-2), including all six contests on their recently completed road trip.
Columbus’ ability to convert on the power play and protect the middle of the ice proved to be the difference in a game where Vancouver once again failed to find consistent offense.
Notes
- Zach Werenski continued his strong stretch, recording five points (two goals, three assists) over a three-game point streak. He also extended his home point streak to 16 games, totaling 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) during that span.
- Charlie Coyle is also riding a three-game point streak, producing five points (four goals, one assist) over that stretch.
- Kirill Marchenko matched that production with five points (one goal, four assists) in his last three games, continuing to drive Columbus’ offense.
- Erik Gudbranson returned to the lineup after missing 38 games with a hip injury. In his first game since October 25, he logged 16:19 of ice time, finishing with three hits, two shots on goal, and two takeaways.
My Takeaway
This game showed how quickly structure and special teams can change momentum. Columbus didn’t overwhelm Vancouver with volume, but they were far more efficient when it mattered. The power play was the clear separator again, scoring twice and extending a trend that has now become a strength rather than an afterthought.
What stood out most was Columbus’ confidence with the puck. Players like Marchenko, Coyle, and Werenski weren’t forcing plays — they were patient, composed, and decisive. Once the Blue Jackets took the lead, they played downhill hockey, winning battles and keeping Vancouver from generating sustained pressure at five-on-five.
For Vancouver, the issues feel deeper than just a losing streak. Even after Boeser’s goal briefly cut into the lead, there was no real pushback. The Canucks struggled to create second chances, and too many offensive possessions ended on the perimeter. Nine straight losses don’t happen by accident — this team is searching for identity, confidence, and consistency.
In the bigger picture, this was another step forward for Columbus under Rick Bowness. The details were sharper, the special teams were effective, and the team looked comfortable playing with a lead. Vancouver, meanwhile, continues to look like a group stuck in reaction mode rather than dictating play.
Next Game
The Blue Jackets will return to the road for a one-game trip before heading back to Columbus for a five-game homestand. Columbus will face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night, January 17, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM EDT.
Pittsburgh enters the matchup in strong form, posting a 7-2-1 record over their last 10 games and currently sitting third in the Metropolitan Division, setting up a solid test for Columbus as they look to carry their momentum forward.
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