COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a fitting finale to their season, the Columbus Blue Jackets dominated the New York Islanders with a resounding 6-1 victory on Thursday night at Nationwide Arena. With the win, Columbus capped off a strong finish, winning their last six games and finishing the season with 89 points, placing them fourth in the Metropolitan Division.
Jet Greaves, the 24-year-old rookie goaltender, made 36 saves and was just 5:12 away from achieving his third consecutive shutout. This impressive performance helped him secure five straight wins, allowing only four goals over that span. Meanwhile, the Islanders, who finished the season with 82 points and a sixth-place finish in the Metro, struggled down the stretch, losing five of their last six games (1-3-2).
From the outset, the Blue Jackets took control of the game, scoring early and often. Cole Sillinger opened the scoring just 2:21 into the first period, capitalizing on a turnover to net his goal with a wrist shot from the left circle. The momentum continued as Dante Fabbro doubled the lead at 7:43 with another wrist shot from above the right circle.
Columbus stretched their lead to 3-0 at 10:09 when Zach Werenski's centering pass deflected off Islanders defenseman Scott Perunovich and then off Dmitri Voronkov's skate before crossing the goal line. The Blue Jackets showed no signs of slowing down, as Sean Kuraly added to the score at 15:14 with a wrist shot from the top of the right circle, pushing the lead to 4-0.
Werenski, who had a goal and an assist, capped off the second period scoring frenzy with a one-timer from the right circle at 17:27, concluding a 3-on-1 rush and giving the Blue Jackets a commanding 5-0 lead. Greaves was nearly perfect in the second period, stopping all 16 shots he faced, but the Islanders finally broke through at 5:13 of the third period when Hudson Fasching scored to make it 5-1, ending Greaves' shutout streak at 173:38, the fourth longest in franchise history.
Adam Fantilli sealed the game with his 31st goal of the season, scoring with 1:23 left in the game to reestablish a five-goal lead. The Blue Jackets' six goals came from six different players, showcasing their depth and offensive power. This performance also marked a franchise record for goals in a season, with Columbus finishing with 267 goals.
As the season comes to a close, the Blue Jackets can take pride in their strong finish, winning six consecutive games and tying a franchise record with 57 points at home. Their collective efforts culminated in a memorable night, where fans witnessed not only a dominant performance but also milestones for individual players.
Werenski, in particular, had a standout night, extending his points streak to six games. He tied Artemi Panarin for the most assists in a single season in franchise history with 59 and became the first defenseman to lead Columbus in scoring, finishing the season with an impressive 82 points.
On the other hand, the Islanders' late-season slump dashed any hopes they had of making the playoffs. Despite a strong start, New York couldn't maintain their momentum, and their final game was a reflection of their struggles. Marcus Hogberg made 20 saves in goal for the Islanders, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Blue Jackets' offensive onslaught.
As the Blue Jackets look ahead to the offseason, they can build on the momentum generated by their strong finish. The combination of young talent like Fantilli and established players like Werenski offers a promising outlook for the future. Columbus fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the team evolves heading into next season.
In conclusion, Thursday night's game was not just a victory; it was a statement. The Blue Jackets showcased their potential and left their fans with a sense of hope and excitement for the future. With their final game concluded, both teams will now turn their attention to the offseason, reflecting on the successes and challenges faced throughout the season.
