The Columbus Blue Jackets achieved their sixth consecutive victory with a commanding 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday at Nationwide Arena. James van Riemsdyk played a pivotal role by scoring twice, while Zach Werenski extended his impressive home point streak to 18 games.
Werenski has accumulated 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) during this streak, which ties him with Brian Leetch (1991-92) for the sixth-longest streak by a defenseman in NHL history. “I’m just focused on helping the team win,” Werenski said.
Other contributors included Kent Johnson, who recorded a goal and an assist, and Adam Fantilli, who found the net. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves, helping the Blue Jackets improve their record to 22-17-6 and maintain a strong run of 10-2-1 in their last 13 games. “We’re confident in our ability to compete and win every night,” said Johnson.
For the Sharks, Tyler Toffoli scored their only goal, and Alexandar Georgiev managed 30 saves. However, San Jose struggled overall, having lost four of their last five games. “We weren’t executing our game plan,” Toffoli admitted. “Our passing, forechecking, and puck control weren’t where they needed to be.”
Fantilli opened the scoring at 12:11 in the first period, extending his career-high point streak to seven games (four goals, four assists). Receiving a pass from Werenski, he executed a precise backhand-to-forehand move to score his 11th goal. “Starting strong and securing an early lead was crucial tonight,” Werenski noted.
Johnson doubled the lead later in the first period, capitalizing on a giveaway with a shot that slipped through Georgiev’s pads. The Sharks managed only one shot in the second period while the Blue Jackets tallied 12, showcasing their dominance. Van Riemsdyk tipped in a shot from Damon Severson to increase the lead to 3-0.
San Jose’s Toffoli responded early in the third period, netting his 17th goal after receiving a pass from Macklin Celebrini. Despite this, the Sharks couldn’t sustain momentum. Van Riemsdyk sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 17:59, bringing his season tally to eight points (four goals, four assists) in the last seven games.
Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason praised the team’s disciplined approach: “When you play the right way, you build momentum and confidence. That’s what we’re doing.”
Notable Performances:
Kirill Marchenko extended his point streak to five games with an assist.
Fantilli joined Rick Nash as the second Blue Jackets player to achieve a seven-game point streak before turning 21.
Celebrini’s 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) tied Patrick Marleau for the most by an 18-year-old Sharks player.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic became the 21st NHL defenseman to play 1,300 games.
The Blue Jackets continue to display cohesion and determination, making them a formidable opponent in their pursuit of further success this season.
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