Overview
- Columbus won 6-3 in Columbus, with Elvis Merzlikins stopping 35 shots to secure the Blue Jackets’ third straight victory and fifth in six games.
- The Blue Jackets’ third line dominated as Cole Sillinger scored twice with an assist, Mathieu Olivier posted a goal and three assists, and Charlie Coyle had a career-high four helpers.
- Defensemen Zach Werenski, Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro each scored for Columbus, capitalizing on Toronto turnovers and odd-man rushes.
- John Tavares scored his 500th career goal late in the third period, becoming the 49th player in NHL history to reach the milestone.
- Toronto’s Cayden Primeau allowed six goals on 24 shots; William Nylander was held out with a lower-body issue, Steven Lorentz exited with an upper-body injury, and waiver pickup Sammy Blais debuted with a goal and an assist.