A Quiet Start, A Loud Finish
A crowd of 15,020 packed Nationwide Arena on Thursday, November 5, 2026, expecting a competitive matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Dallas Stars. The game began with a tense, defensive posture that persisted through the first two periods. Neither team could find the back of the net, leaving the score tied at 0-0 heading into the third period.
The lack of early scoring set the stage for a dramatic late-game surge that would ultimately define the outcome of the contest.
Third-Period Tug-of-War
The deadlock finally broke in the third period, with Dallas striking first. Mikko Rantanen scored his ninth goal of the season with a wrist shot, assisted by Wyatt Johnston, who tallied his 11th assist of the year. The goal gave the Stars a 1-0 lead and shifted momentum to the visiting side.
However, Columbus responded swiftly to level the score. Zach Werenski found the net with a backhand goal, his first of the season, to tie the game at 1-1. Werenski’s goal was assisted by Kent Johnson and Matthew Knies, both of whom recorded their seventh and fourth assists respectively, showcasing the depth of the Blue Jackets’ offensive lineup.
Shootout Decider
With the game tied after regulation, the teams headed to a shootout to determine the winner. The format required each team to take alternating attempts, with the first two goals deciding the outcome. Valeri Nichushkin opened the shootout for Columbus with a backhand goal, putting the home team ahead 1-0 in the special format.
