In a game that kept NHL fans on the edge of their seats, the Columbus Blue Jackets staged a spectacular comeback to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 7-6 in a thrilling shootout. Led by stellar performances from Boone Jenner and Dante Fabbro, each with three points, the Blue Jackets overcame a 3-0 deficit in the first period and a 5-3 deficit early in the third.
Jenner scored two goals and provided an assist, while Fabbro contributed a goal and two assists. Elvis Merzlikins made 31 crucial saves for the Blue Jackets (33-29-9), who displayed remarkable resilience by rallying multiple times.
This win propels the Blue Jackets into contention for the Eastern Conference wild-card spots, tying on points with the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, all six points behind the Ottawa Senators. Meanwhile, the Canucks (34-26-13) showcased a powerful offense but failed to protect their lead. The loss leaves them four points behind the St. Louis Blues in the race for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, with a game in hand.
“When pressure hits, you’ve got to face it,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said, according to NHL.com. “I think sometimes we’re sinking, but it’s a learning process. That’s why we learn. Some young guys, they’re trying hard, but this is a good lessonfor them.”
Canucks vs. Blue Jackets: A high-pressure battle
The game began with an offensive explosion by the Canucks, who quickly jumped to a 3-0 lead with goals from Linus Karlsson, Brock Boeser, and Jake DeBrusk. However, the Blue Jackets responded with fierce determination.
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Jenner ignited the comeback with a goal early in the second period, followed by goals from Kirill Marchenko and Fabbro to tie the game at 3-3. Tyler Myers restored the Canucks’ lead, and Aatu Räty extended it to 5-3 early in the third period.
The Blue Jackets’ relentless pressure continued, with Denton Mateychuk cutting the deficit to 5-4. Jenner tied the game 5-5 on a power play, and Mathieu Olivier put Columbus ahead 6-5. Räty responded quickly to tie it again at 6-6, setting the stage for a thrilling shootout. The tension was palpable as Kent Johnson netted the decisive goal, securing the victory for the Blue Jackets.
What’s next for the Canucks?
The loss raises concerns about the Canucks’ consistency. While their offense has been potent, their inability to maintain leads under pressure remains a critical issue. With the playoff race heating up in both conferences, their ability to defend leads and handle high-pressure situations will be crucial in their NHL postseason push.
