The Columbus Blue Jackets fell short in their quest for a fourth consecutive victory, losing 4-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at Nationwide Arena. Despite the loss, Zach Werenski had a standout performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After a solid three-game winning streak, the Blue Jackets faced a tough challenge as Nick Suzuki netted the game-winner just 42 seconds into overtime. However, Werenski’s late-game prowess, scoring with 7:38 remaining in regulation, tied the game 3-3 after the Canadiens had taken a brief lead with a goal from Emil Heineman. This remarkable effort marked Werenski’s second point of the night, contributing to his impressive “Gordie Howe Hat Trick,” which involves scoring a goal, providing an assist, and earning a fighting major in the same game.
The night began with Olivier putting the Blue Jackets ahead 1-0 in the first period, redirecting a beautiful pass from Werenski. This goal marked Olivier’s seventh of the season, pulling him into a tie for the team lead with Sean Monahan. Werenski’s assist on this play also elevated him to the top of the Blue Jackets’ scoring leaderboard with 21 points.
The Canadiens quickly equalized when Slafkovsky scored after capitalizing on a turnover by Blue Jackets forward Kevin Labanc. As the game progressed, both teams exchanged goals, with Chinakhov scoring for the Blue Jackets and Caufield for the Canadiens, bringing the score to 2-2 by the end of the second period.
As the match entered the final frame, the tension mounted, culminating in an exciting finish that showcased Werenski’s skills and determination, even as the Blue Jackets ultimately fell short in the overtime period. Fans left with mixed feelings, proud of Werenski’s efforts despite the outcome, and hopeful for the team’s future games.
