COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Blue Jackets are tied for the second Wild Card spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference after earning two points in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night.
The Jackets snapped a decade-long losing streak in the Steel City after a comeback in the third period that ended in a 4-3 shootout victory for the visitors. The last time the CBJ won in Pittsburgh was No. 13, 2015.
“There’s not many guys that have been part of the team as long as I have … so a lot of guys don’t really care about that streak,” CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski said. “But I know to the fans and to the city and to the guys that have been here, it definitely means a lot.”
Three players scored two points apiece, including Adam Fantilli, who filled in on the top line late after Sean Monahan left the game with an injury. Kirill Marchenko scored the game-winner in OT. Elvis Merzlinkins saved 20 of 23 shots he faced and stood strong in net in the shootout to help the Jackets to the milestone win.
“Definitely a big win for us, but I think more importantly, just getting the two points, especially where we’re at in the standings, I feel like every game’s so important right now,” Werenski added.
The team looks to build off the momentum as it makes a postseason push in the second half of the season, hosting the Seattle Kraken on Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Blue Jackets go back out on the road to play at St. Louis on Saturday in a game that you can watch live ABC 6. Puck drops at 7 p.m.