COLUMBUS, Ohio — Adam Fantilli put on a stellar performance, netting two goals as the Columbus Blue Jackets secured a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames, extending their points streak to five games in an encounter that featured six fighting majors.
Kirill Marchenko contributed significantly to the team’s win with a goal and two assists. Zach Werenski, celebrating his fourth goal in as many games, also tallied an assist. Kent Johnson added another goal for the Blue Jackets (10-9-3), who have now claimed four consecutive victories over Calgary dating back to the previous season. Dimitri Voronkhov’s two assists and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins’ impressive 27 saves punctuated a successful night for Columbus.
The Calgary Flames (12-8-4) saw Blake Coleman find the net, while Nazem Kadri scored on a power play, marking their first successful advantage against the Blue Jackets since November 2, 2019. Goalie Dustin Wolf stopped 29 shots and recorded an assist on Kadri’s goal.
Following a challenging stretch, the Flames have now lost three games in a row overall and face a troubling six-game road loss streak.
Key Takeaways:
Flames: The team, playing in Columbus for the first time since the passing of Johnny Gaudreau, brought a heightened emotional level to the game. Despite their efforts and physical play, they were unable to match the Blue Jackets’ intensity and offensive pressure.
Columbus: After a lackluster start in their last loss against Montreal, the Blue Jackets came into this match with renewed energy and focus, scoring three unanswered goals right from the onset.
Key Moment:
In the third period, at 2:47, Fantilli found himself in the penalty box after Merzlikins incurred a slashing penalty while defending the crease. Upon emerging from the penalty box just as Columbus successfully killed the power play, Fantilli swiftly scored nine seconds later, reinstating the team’s three-goal advantage.
Key Stat:
Werenski’s current form has seen him accumulate points in seven consecutive games, tying him for the top spot among NHL defensemen this season with eight goals.
Looking ahead, the Flames will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, while the Blue Jackets will travel to Chicago on Sunday.