Playing at home, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1 and continue their fight for a place in the playoffs.
The Nationwide Arena vibrated once again this Thursday evening (January 16), during the victory of the Columbus Blue Jackets against the San Jose Sharks with a score of 4 to 1. With this sixth consecutive victory, the team reached 50 points in the 2024-2025 NHL season, currently occupying the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Remarkable performance
During this victory, James Van Riemsdyk stood out with two goals, while Kent Johnson contributed with two points. Elvis Merzlikins also shone, making 18 saves. With an assist, Zach Werenski extended his impressive streak to 18 consecutive games with at least one point, totaling 35 points (12 goals and 23 assists) over that span, the sixth longest streak for a defenseman in franchise history. the NHL.
For the Sharks, Alexandar Georgiev recorded 30 saves, but that was not enough to avoid the Californian team’s third defeat in four games. With last season’s worst campaign, the Sharks have 34 points in 47 games, trailing only the Chicago Blackhawks (30 points) in 2024-25.
A clear domination of the Blue Jackets
The match started in favor of the home team, who opened the scoring in the 12th minute of the first period thanks to Adam Fantilli, well served by Zach Werenski. Chosen 3rd position in the 2023 draft, the 20-year-old now has 22 points in 44 games, including eight (four goals and four assists) in the last seven games.
The Blue Jackets continued their momentum, doubling the lead before the end of the first period. With three minutes left, Sean Kuraly intercepted the puck in the offensive zone and found Kent Johnson, who beat Georgiev to make it 2-0. Johnson now has 12 goals this season.
In the second third, the offensive festival continued. In the sixth minute, Damon Severson fired a powerful shot from the blue line, deflected by Van Riemsdyk to make it 3-0, much to the delight of the Nationwide Arena crowd.
An insufficient start from the Sharks
It was only in the third period that the Sharks managed to deceive Merzlikins’ vigilance. In the 7th minute, Macklin Celebrini found Tyler Toffoli, who scored the visitors’ only goal.
Late in the game, with the net empty for the Sharks, Van Riemsdyk scored his second goal of the night, reaching a total of six goals this season, sealing the Blue Jackets’ 4-1 victory.
Next matches
In the remainder of the 2024-2025 NHL season, the two teams will play again on Saturday. The Sharks continue their East Coast tour and will face the New York Islanders. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, will hit the road to face the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Photo Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
