Charlie Coyle Hat Trick Lifts Blue Jackets Over Blackhawks

Charlie Coyle is on fire, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are riding his hot streak to new heights in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. On January 30, 2026, Coyle delivered a masterclass performance at United Center, scoring three goals and adding an assist to lead the Blue Jackets to a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. It was his second career hat trick, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Columbus, who are surging in the standings and making their playoff intentions clear.

The Blue Jackets, now sitting at 26-20-7, have won four straight games and boast a remarkable 8-1-0 record in their last nine outings. Under the guidance of coach Rick Bowness, who has steered the team to a 7-1-0 mark since taking over, Columbus is showing the kind of resilience and chemistry that fans have been craving all season long. Coyle’s line, featuring Mathieu Olivier and Cole Sillinger, was particularly dominant against the Blackhawks. Both Olivier and Sillinger finished the night with a +3 plus/minus rating, with Olivier also notching a goal and an assist, and Sillinger tallying an assist on Coyle’s third goal.

"Coyle scored in all three periods to complete his hat trick," as recapped by NHL.com, a feat that electrified the traveling Blue Jackets faithful and left the Blackhawks searching for answers. Coyle’s first goal came on the power play with just 47 seconds left in the first period, putting Columbus ahead 1-0. But Chicago’s rookie sensation, Connor Bedard, wasn’t about to let the period end quietly. Bedard responded with a rebound goal just 2.7 seconds before the horn, tying the game at 1-1 and giving the home crowd something to cheer about.

The second period saw Coyle strike again, this time just 1:23 in, restoring the Blue Jackets’ lead. Olivier extended that advantage at 6:47, finishing a play that withstood a coaching challenge for goaltender interference. Chicago’s Frank Nazar cut the deficit to 3-2 just over four minutes later, setting up a tense third period with plenty of drama left to unfold.

Columbus’ defense, anchored by Zach Werenski, stepped up in the final frame. Werenski, who recorded two assists in the game, moved into a tie with Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers for the most points among NHL defensemen at 59. His steady presence on the blue line helped keep the Blackhawks at bay, even as they outshot the Blue Jackets 9-3 in the third period. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins was up to the task, stopping 23 shots and earning the win in net. On the other side, Chicago’s Spencer Knight made 22 saves but couldn’t stem the tide of Columbus’ relentless attack.

For Coyle, the night was another highlight in what has become a red-hot stretch. Over the past nine games, he’s racked up 13 points on nine goals and four assists. His linemates have been right there with him: Sillinger and Olivier each have four points in their last three games, a testament to the chemistry and confidence building on that forward line. As Coyle himself said after the game, “We’re just playing for each other right now. Everybody’s contributing, and it’s fun to be a part of.”

Chicago, meanwhile, is mired in a tough stretch, having dropped its fifth consecutive game. Bedard, who finished with two points on the night, continues to be a bright spot for the Blackhawks. With 49 points in 41 games this season, including 21 goals and 28 assists, he’s quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. Nazar’s goal also provided a glimpse of the future for Chicago, but the team’s inability to finish strong in close games remains a concern.

The Blackhawks were without veteran defenseman Shea Weber, who is out for the season with an ankle injury, and Nick Foligno, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed issue. Columbus was missing Brendan Smith (leg) and Dante Fabbro (lower body), but their depth proved more than adequate to fill the gaps. The game was broadcast nationally on NHL Network and streamed via Fubo, with fans across the country tuning in to see if the Blue Jackets could keep their hot streak alive.

With this win, Columbus finds themselves tied at 59 points with the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference. They’re eight points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins, who currently hold the final two wild-card playoff spots. The Blue Jackets are also fourth in the Metropolitan Division, narrowly ahead of the Capitals based on points percentage, and just six points behind the New York Islanders for third place and the division’s last guaranteed playoff berth. The Islanders, Capitals, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers are all in action over the coming days, so the standings could shift rapidly.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jackets face a quick turnaround as they travel to St. Louis to take on the Blues on January 31, before wrapping up their road trip against the New Jersey Devils on February 3. With the playoff race tightening, every point is critical. As the team’s beat reporter Brian Hedger noted, “The Blue Jackets must win again in St. Louis to guarantee they won’t be caught.”

For Chicago, the focus now shifts to regrouping and finding a way to snap their losing streak. Despite the recent setbacks, the emergence of Bedard and Nazar gives head coach Luke Richardson reasons for optimism. The Blackhawks will need more consistent contributions from their supporting cast and improved play between the pipes if they hope to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture.

Statistically, the game provided plenty of talking points. Werenski’s 59 points in 48 games (19 goals, 38 assists) have him among the league’s elite defensemen, while Merzlikins’ steady play in goal (23 saves on the night) gives Columbus confidence heading into the season’s stretch run. On the Chicago side, Knight’s .910 save percentage ranks him among the NHL’s top netminders, but he’ll need more help in front of him to turn close games into wins.

As the NHL calendar flips to February, the Blue Jackets are making their move. With Coyle leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, Columbus fans have every reason to believe this could be a special spring. The next week will be crucial, with tough road games and playoff positioning on the line. For now, though, Blue Jackets supporters can savor another memorable night—and look forward to what’s next as their team chases a postseason berth.