The Columbus Blue Jackets earned a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 17. Now they face the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 19 in a back-to-back matchup. Kirill Marchenko scored the game-winning goal in the shootout. The Blue Jackets improved to 10-7-2 after their dramatic comeback win.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Marchenko tied the 12-game point streak record for the Jackets.
- Jet Greaves made 29 saves in his 5th straight start.
- Blue Jackets are 3-0-2 in their last 5 games.
- Game time: 7:00 PM EST on Nov. 19 in Winnipeg.
- Jets hold 11-7 record after returning from road trip.
How the Shootout Drama Unfolded
Kirill Marchenko delivered clutch performance against the Canadiens with two assists and the shootout winner. The Columbus squad rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third period. Zach Werenski and Dmitri Voronkov each contributed one goal and one assist. Adam Fantilli also scored for the Blue Jackets.
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Lane Hutson cut the lead to 3-2 with a third-period goal at 8:28. Then Hutson tied it 3-3 at 18:41 with the extra attacker. Montreal forced overtime but couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
“It’s always big when you can get points in this league. We’ve done that for a number of games now.”
The loss dropped Montreal to 10-6-3 and extended their skid. The Canadiens have now lost 4 straight games and sit 1-3-3 in their last 7 games.
Preparing for the Winnipeg Test
The Blue Jackets head northwest with momentum from the shootout win. Elvis Merzlikins is expected to start for Columbus against the Jets. The road back-to-back presents a challenge after the emotional victory.
Winnipeg returns home after a tough 6-game road trip where they went 2-4-0. The Jets are thrilled to be back at Canada Life Centre. They hold the 2nd place position in the Central Division. Winnipeg sits at 11-7 with better playoff positioning than Columbus.
The Blue Jackets are trying to maintain their recent point streak despite playing on back-to-back nights. Columbus has found ways to stay competitive in tight games. Their power play and defensive positioning will be tested against Winnipeg’s offense.
Game Statistics and Matchup Details
| Team Stats | Record | Last 5 | Div Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 10-7-2 | 3-0-2 | Metropolitan |
| Winnipeg Jets | 11-7 | 2-3 | Central (2nd) |
The Canadiens game showed Columbus can overcome adversity and execute under pressure. Jet Greaves proved his worth with crucial saves throughout regulation. The shootout win gives the squad confidence heading into Winnipeg.
Marchenko’s continued excellence extends his point streak to 12 games with 3 goals and 12 assists. That ties him with Cam Atkinson for the 2nd longest streak in franchise history. Ryan Johansen holds the record at 13 games.
What the Back-to-Back Means
- Columbus must manage fatigue after emotional overtime game.
- Jets want to bounce back from disappointing road performance.
- Merzlikins starting means Greaves gets rest after heavy workload.
- Home ice advantage favors Winnipeg in Canadian division matchup.
- Playoff positioning matters with season still early but competitive.
Can the Blue Jackets Keep the Magic Alive?
The shootout victory over Montreal proved the Blue Jackets have clutch gene. Can they replicate that magic in Winnipeg on short rest? The Jets have superior playoff odds and home advantage.
Marchenko’s hot streak will be critical for generating scoring chances. Werenski’s 3-game point streak shows the defense can contribute offensively. The Blue Jackets defense must stay disciplined against Winnipeg’s skilled forwards.
This matchup highlights the Eastern Conference team’s challenge of competing against stronger Central Division opponents. Will Columbus find another miracle performance, or will Winnipeg’s home comfort prove too much?
Sources
- NHL.com – Official game recap and statistics for Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets
- ESPN – Live score coverage and box score details
- TSN – Canadian hockey news and team updates on Jets
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.