SALT LAKE CITY — In an exciting matchup, Zach Werenski netted a breakaway goal just over a minute into overtime, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Utah Hockey Club on Friday evening.
After trailing by two goals, the Blue Jackets made a remarkable comeback in the third period, thanks to contributions from Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson, who both scored to level the game. Goaltender Danil Tarasov had a standout performance, making 34 saves throughout the contest.
Utah’s offense featured goals from Nick Schmaltz and Alexander Kerfoot, with Clayton Keller providing assists on both occasions. Despite a solid effort, goaltender Karel Vejmelka recorded only 20 saves, as Utah suffered its second consecutive overtime loss and its fourth defeat in overall competition.
The overtime period opened with Cole Sillinger stealing the puck from Barrett Hayton, setting up Werenski, who expertly fired the puck past Vejmelka.
Utah initiated the scoring with Schmaltz’s goal just 41 seconds into the second period during a power play. The team’s lead extended to 2-0 when Kerfoot unleashed a long wrist shot, finding the net less than a minute into the third period.
Columbus responded, with Marchenko cutting the deficit to one goal at 6:25 of the period by finding the net from close range. Johnson later tied the game with 8:18 remaining, setting the stage for the intense overtime.
**Key Takeaways:**
The Blue Jackets have demonstrated consistency, scoring two or more goals in four consecutive road games. For Utah, Schmaltz has been on fire, contributing to the scoresheet in 10 of his last 11 games, accumulating five goals and seven assists during that streak.
**Key Moment:**
Marchenko’s 21st goal of the season proved crucial, injecting energy into Columbus after the team struggled offensively, managing only 15 shots in the first two periods.
**Key Stat:**
Utah is struggling significantly with penalty kills, recording a league-worst 66 for -74 in the last 28 games.
**Upcoming Matches:**
The Blue Jackets are set to compete against Dallas on Sunday, while Utah will host St. Louis next.
