COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an exciting Thursday night matchup, James van Riemsdyk netted two goals leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a decisive 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. This win marks the Blue Jackets’ sixth consecutive victory, their best streak since January 2020.

Kent Johnson contributed to the team’s success with a goal and an assist, while Adam Fantilli also found the back of the net, extending his personal scoring streak to eight games. Van Riemsdyk secured his second goal as an empty-netter with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Elvis Merzlikins was impressive in goal, making 18 saves, helping the Blue Jackets improve their home record to 16 wins, 5 losses, and 3 overtime losses.

For San Jose, Tyler Toffoli managed to score, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as Alexandar Georgiev faced a barrage of shots, stopping 30 but ultimately watching his team lose yet again. The Sharks are struggling, having won only one of their last five games and sit in last place in the Pacific Division.

**Key Insights**:
For the Sharks, the night was bittersweet as Marc-Édouard Vlasic celebrated his 1,300th career game amidst a tough outing. They faced significant challenges against a well-performing Columbus squad, which dominated in speed and shot attempts, leading to three consecutive goals without a reply. San Jose now gears up for three additional games during their ongoing five-game road trip.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets made a statement early on in the first period, with Fantilli and Johnson scoring just four minutes apart, establishing a lead that Columbus maintained for the entirety of the contest. The Blue Jackets overwhelmed the Sharks with 20 shots compared to San Jose’s 7 in the first two periods, controlling the game’s pace from start to finish.

**Notable Stat**:
Zach Werenski’s assist on Fantilli’s goal has sparked a noteworthy streak; he has now recorded points in 18 consecutive home games, tying him for sixth place among defensemen with Brian Leetch. The NHL record is 25 home games in a row set by Bobby Orr in the 1974-75 season.

**Next Up**:
Both teams will be back on the ice Saturday night in New York. The Sharks will take on the Islanders, while the Blue Jackets will face off against the Rangers, looking to maintain their winning tempo.