The Columbus Blue Jackets snapped a five-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 4–3 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks, earning just their third victory in the last 12 games when leading at the start of the third period. With the win, Columbus now holds a 9-4-0 record when entering the third period with a lead and improved to 10-5-6 in one-goal games this season.
Adam Fantilli scored his second game-winning goal of the season in overtime, continuing a strong stretch alongside Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko. Zach Werenski also delivered another big performance, finishing with three points for the fourth time this season. The Blue Jackets defenseman now has six points in his last three games and continues to drive the offense from the blue line.
Game Summary
First Period
Both teams traded chances early as the pace picked up quickly, with Anaheim generating more offensive pressure in the opening minutes. The Ducks directed 10 shots on net in the first period, but Jet Greaves was sharp, turning aside every attempt and keeping the game scoreless despite Anaheim’s early push. Anaheim also failed to capitalize on its first power play of the night.
Columbus opened the scoring at 8:21 when Zach Werenski jumped into the play and beat Ville Husso with a wrist shot to make it 1–0. Boone Jenner recovered a loose puck after a long rebound from Greaves and carried it into the offensive zone, holding the puck along the wall and waiting for Werenski to join the rush. Werenski found open ice, took the pass, and snapped a quick wrist shot past Husso.
The goal was Werenski’s 10th of the season, his first of two on the night. He now sits second among NHL defensemen in both goals and points. Columbus settled in after the goal and played a more structured game, limiting Anaheim’s second chances. The Blue Jackets finished the period with six shots on goal but carried a 1–0 lead into the intermission.
With the opening goal, Columbus improved to 10-3-4 this season when scoring first.
Second Period
Anaheim answered early in the second period to tie the game. Ryan Strome scored his second goal of the season at 3:35, his first in 16 games, finishing a give-and-go play with Ryan Poehling and beating Jet Greaves from the slot to make it 1–1. The goal came during a strong stretch for the Ducks, who carried momentum from the end of the first period and increased their offensive pressure.
Columbus responded quickly. Just 24 seconds later, Zach Werenski restored the Blue Jackets’ lead at 3:59, scoring his 11th goal of the season and second of the night on a 2-on-1 rush. Brendan Gaunce intercepted a play along the boards in the defensive zone to start the transition, and Werenski finished the rush with a wrist shot past Ville Husso to make it 2–1.
The Blue Jackets struck again 19 seconds after that. Boone Jenner extended the lead to 3–1 at 4:18 with his fifth goal of the season. Ivan Provorov intercepted the puck at the blue line and fired it toward the net, and Jenner stayed with the play, converting the rebound on his backhand.
Anaheim cut the deficit to one for the third time just 1:09 later. Mikael Granlund scored his fourth goal of the season at 5:29 with a wrist shot following a Columbus turnover. It was Granlund’s first goal since returning from injury and his first in seven games. Greaves later said he would have liked another look at the play.
In total, four goals were scored in a span of 1 minute and 54 seconds, turning the period into a wide-open exchange. Anaheim had two additional power-play opportunities later in the period but failed to capitalize. After 40 minutes, the Ducks held a 19–16 edge in shots on goal, while Columbus carried a 3–2 lead into the second intermission.
Third Period
Columbus entered the third period holding a one-goal lead, an area that has been a challenge for the Blue Jackets this season. Anaheim opened the period with its fourth power play of the night after Yegor Chinakhov was called for interference on goaltender Ville Husso, but the Ducks were unable to capitalize and tie the game.
Columbus then had two power-play opportunities of its own later in the period but could not extend the lead. Husso made several key saves during those sequences to keep Anaheim within one goal as the Blue Jackets looked to add insurance.
The Ducks finally broke through late. With 3:16 remaining, Jackson LaCombe picked up the puck at the blue line, skated down the right side, spun behind the net, and fired a sharp-angle shot off the side of Jet Greaves’ mask that deflected into the net to tie the game 3–3. The goal was LaCombe’s sixth of the season. Ryan Poehling and Mikael Granlund recorded the assists, giving both players their second points of the night.
The remainder of regulation saw both teams push for a winner, but neither side could convert. The period finished nearly even in shots, with Columbus holding a 9–8 edge, and the game was sent to overtime to decide the extra point.
Overtime
Columbus controlled most of the overtime period playing 3-on-3, dictating possession and generating the better chances. The Blue Jackets registered three shots on goal during the extra frame and limited Anaheim’s opportunities.
The game was decided at 3:32 of overtime when Adam Fantilli scored the winner. Fantilli picked up the puck along the boards after a long pass from Kent Johnson, carried it into the offensive zone, and snapped a quick wrist shot past Ville Husso for his 12th goal of the season. The goal was Fantilli’s second game-winner of the year.
With the overtime victory, Columbus earned its seventh win in extra time this season and improved to 7–6 in games decided beyond regulation.
Game Stats
| Category | Ducks | Blue Jackets |
| Final Score | 3 | 4 (OT) |
| Shots on Goal | 27 | 28 |
| Faceoff % | 42.3% | 57.7% |
| Power Play | 0/4 | 0/2 |
| Penalty Minutes | 4 | 8 |
| Hits | 20 | 20 |
| Blocked Shots | 21 | 19 |
| Giveaways | 19 | 17 |
| Takeaways | 2 | 5 |
Columbus Players Highlights
Boone Jenner 1G 1A 2PTS +2 2SOG 5HITS
Kent Johnson 2A 2PTS +1
Adam Fantillli 1G 1PTS GWG 4SOG 2HITS TOI 20:49 FO: 64.5%
Cole Sillinger 0 PTS 6SOG 2HITS
Zach Werenski 2G 1A 3PTS +1 4SOG TOI 29:31
Ivan Provorov 1A 1PTS +1 4BLK TOI 26:42
Jett Greaves 3 goals on 27 shots
Three Stars of the Game
1️⃣ Zach Werenski (CBJ)
2 G – 1 A – 3 PTS
2️⃣ Adam Fantilli (CBJ)
1 G – 1 PTS (GWG)
3️⃣ Boone Jenner (CBJ)
1 G – 1 A – 2 PTS
Final Thoughts
This was an important win for Columbus, not just because it ended a five-game losing streak, but because of how it was earned. The Blue Jackets generated offense from multiple areas, responded quickly after giving up momentum, and showed resilience after surrendering a late tying goal in the third period. For a team that has struggled at times to protect leads, finding a way to close this game in overtime was a positive step.
Zach Werenski continues to be the engine driving this group. His ability to jump into the rush, create offense, and deliver in key moments remains critical to Columbus’ success. Adam Fantilli’s overtime winner was another encouraging sign, showing confidence and composure in a pressure moment, while Boone Jenner’s presence around the net again paid dividends.
While there are still areas to clean up—particularly special teams and late-game management—the effort level, response after adversity, and execution in overtime give Columbus something to build on. Wins like this matter in a long season, especially when confidence and belief are tested.
Next Game
The Blue Jackets return to action Thursday, December 18, when they host the Minnesota Wild at Nationwide Arena.
Puck drop: 7:00 PM.
