The Columbus Blue Jackets went into Detroit for an early afternoon game and once again put themselves in a position to win. They carried a 3–1 lead into the third period, controlled long stretches, and got another strong performance from Zach Werenski, who stayed hot with a two-point game. But just like we’ve seen too often this season, the Jackets couldn’t finish. Detroit pushed back late, scored three unanswered goals, and completed the comeback in overtime. It was Columbus’ sixth overtime game in their last eight, and another one that slipped away, dropping them to 3–3 in extra time.
Game Summary
1st Period — Even Start, Jackets Break Through Late
Both teams opened the game with a steady pace and shared the momentum early, finishing the period with the same number of shots. Detroit generated the first push, but once Columbus earned a power play, the tide started to turn. Even though the Jackets didn’t score on that first advantage, it helped them settle into the rhythm of the game.
On their second opportunity, Columbus finally broke through. Zach Werenski worked the puck across the blue line, Sean Monahan fed the slot, and Adam Fantilli ripped a clean snap shot past Talbot. That goal lifted the Jackets, and they closed the period with confidence after matching Detroit shot for shot.
2nd Period — A Sudden Mistake, an Instant Answer
The second period started with a rough moment for Columbus. A turnover behind the net led to Lucas Raymond jumping on the puck and beating Greaves on the backhand just 36 seconds in. The goal energized the crowd and briefly swung the momentum toward Detroit.
But Columbus had the perfect answer. Only 18 seconds later, Denton Mateychuk led the rush, Damon Severson fired a perfect cross-ice feed, and Miles Wood buried it to restore the lead. That response calmed everything down and silenced the building again.
For the rest of the frame, Columbus played one of their most composed periods of the afternoon. They controlled more of the five-on-five play, created longer offensive-zone shifts, and carried most of the tempo heading into the third.
3rd Period — Werenski Extends His Streak, Detroit Takes Over
Columbus extended their lead early in the third when Werenski jumped into the rush and fired a shot through traffic to make it 3–1. The goal pushed his point streak to six straight games, and with ten points during that run, he continues to be the engine of the Jackets’ blue line.
But that’s where the game changed. Detroit began to outpace Columbus, pushing harder on the forecheck and creating second and third chances around the net. Their pressure finally broke through when Ben Chiarot’s low shot slipped through a screen to make it 3–2.
From there, the momentum was entirely in Detroit’s hands. The Red Wings were winning pucks, driving transitions, and keeping Columbus stuck defending. The tying goal came when rookie Emmitt Finnie delivered a perfect pass into the slot for Moritz Seider, who buried it cleanly to make it 3–3. Detroit carried all the pace into overtime.
Overtime — One Chance Ends It
Columbus touched the puck first but couldn’t create anything dangerous. Detroit countered quickly, and it took just one opening. Chiarot intercepted a pass and moved the puck to Alex DeBrincat, who attacked with speed and ripped the overtime winner under the bar. Another game, another blown lead, and another missed point for the Jackets.
NOTES
Adam Fantilli continues to produce at an impressive pace. With his goal in Detroit, he now has three goals in his last two games and four in his last four. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski extended his point streak to six straight games, collecting 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points during that span. Both players are driving the offense consistently, even as the team struggles to close out results.
Blue Jackets Player Highlights
Adam Fantilli !G 1PTS TOI 19:31 3SOG FO 52.9%
Miles Wood 1G 1PTS TOI 15:07
Zach Werenski 1G 1A 2PTS TOI 28:05 7SOG
Sean Monahan 1A 1PTS TOI 20:43 6SOG
Game Stats
| Team | CBJ | DET |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 34 | 33 |
| Faceoff % | 55.9% | 44.1% |
| Power Play | 1/3 | 0/2 |
| Penalty Minutes | 8 | 10 |
| Hits | 16 | 12 |
| Blocked Shots | 16 | 22 |
| Giveaways | 16 | 13 |
| Takeaways | 4 | 6 |
Three Stars of the Game
1- Alex Debrincat 1G GWG
2- Moritz Seider 1G 1A 2PTS
3- Zach Werenski 1G 1A 2PTS
Final Thoughts
The Blue Jackets once again played a game they should have finished. A 3–1 lead on the road, strong stretches at five-on-five, and big performances from their top players should have been enough. But the same issue keeps showing up: when the pressure rises, Columbus struggles to close the door. Detroit controlled the final minutes and forced the Jackets back on their heels, turning a strong effort into another missed opportunity.
The positive is that Columbus continues to collect points. They now have at least one point in seven of their last eight games, going 4-1-3 during that span. The compete level is there, the structure is there — but until they learn how to protect a lead and win these tight games, nights like this will continue to sting.
