Overview
- The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in a shootout Friday at Nationwide Arena after Kent Johnson scored in the shootout and Cam Talbot stopped all three Penguins attempts.
- Defenseman Damon Severson was activated off the Injured/Non‑Roster list and finished with a goal and an assist in his return from roughly six months of shoulder rehab, which let Columbus rework pairings and ease Zach Werenski’s minutes.
- Penguins rookie goalie Sergei Murashov delivered a breakout outing, making 43 saves on 45 shots and keeping Pittsburgh in the game with several high‑danger stops in regulation and overtime.
- Columbus dominated possession and shots — finishing about 45–22 in shots and holding a large shot‑attempt edge — but repeatedly failed to convert high‑quality chances, including a 2-on-0 in overtime.
- The win gives Columbus early divisional momentum before a road game in St. Louis, while the game highlighted both the Jackets’ depth and finishing concerns and the Penguins’ promise in goal despite an early skid.