In an exciting matchup in Columbus, Ohio, Kirill Marchenko’s two-goal performance helped propel the Columbus Blue Jackets to a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. This win marks the Blue Jackets’ second consecutive triumph, which keeps their hopes alive in the race for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
The scoring for Columbus was rounded out by Ivan Provorov, who contributed a goal and an assist, while both Mathieu Olivier and James van Riemsdyk found the back of the net. Adam Fantilli sealed the game with an empty-net goal, with merely 32 seconds remaining on the clock. Elvis Merzlikins was solid in net, making 19 crucial saves to ensure victory.
On the opposing side, the Dallas Stars, who had been riding a three-game winning streak, saw notable performances from Jason Robertson with a goal and an assist. Jamie Benn, Roope Hintz, and Mavrik Bourque each scored for the Stars, and Mikael Granlund provided two assists, but it wasn’t enough. Jake Oettinger faced a barrage of shots, stopping 23 of them throughout the game.
Playing the closing match of their six-city road trip, the Stars tenaciously pulled within one goal late in the game. However, they struggled to counter the relentless energy and execution displayed by the Blue Jackets.
Columbus opened the game with vigor as Marchenko struck just 30 seconds in. His second goal, early in the second period, extended their lead to 3-1 and highlighted his return from a three-game absence due to a broken jaw.
Significantly, Provorov’s goal marked the 39th scored by a Blue Jackets defenseman this season, a tally unmatched by any other NHL team.
Looking ahead, the Stars have a home game awaiting them as they host the Los Angeles team on Friday night, while the Blue Jackets are set to visit Detroit on Thursday night for their next challenge.
