The Columbus Blue Jackets were in desperate need of an early lead against the Nashville Predators. Not only did they get that, their offense exploded in a much-needed way. Kirill Marchenko scored a hat trick and added an assist, while Sean Monahan contributed two goals and two assists, leading the Blue Jackets to an impressive 8-4 victory over the Predators on Tuesday night.
The game, held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, showcased a potent Blue Jackets offense that had been searching for a breakout performance. Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson also shined, each recording three points in the contest. Luke Evangelista paced the Predators with two assists, but it was clear that the night belonged to Columbus.
Marchenko opened the scoring just 1:15 into the game, finishing off a slick pass from defenseman Zach Werenski. Despite the early lead, head coach Dean Evason was not satisfied with the start. He gathered his team around at the bench during the first TV timeout, emphasizing the need to avoid cheating the game. The message resonated with the players, and they responded accordingly.
Goals from Fantilli and Monahan expanded the lead to 3-0 late in the first period, giving Columbus a solid cushion. However, Filip Forsberg of Nashville struck back just 24 seconds later, cutting the deficit to 3-1 as the first period came to a close.
Marchenko scored his second of the night early in the second period, restoring the Blue Jackets’ three-goal lead at 4-1. But the Predators weren't done yet. Michael Bunting and Justin Barron scored 43 seconds apart, narrowing the score to 4-3 and sending a jolt of nervous energy through the Columbus crowd.
That was as close as Nashville would get, though. The Blue Jackets responded with a flurry of goals, piling on three more to extend their lead to 7-3. Fantilli and Monahan each found the net again, while former Predator Dante Fabbro scored against his old team, marking his first game against them since being claimed off waivers.
In the third period, Monahan again set up Marchenko, completing his hat trick and bringing his season total to 31 goals—marking his first 30-goal season in the NHL. Marchenko expressed his excitement postgame, stating, "I scored three tonight. I’m so happy for sure. He gave me great passes…He gives me confidence too & we feel each other really well right now & I enjoy playing with him. I hope we’ll play together a long time." Jordan Oesterle added another goal, finalizing the score at 8-4.
The game was not just notable for its high score; it was also a physical battle, with a total of 36 penalty minutes assessed—19 to Nashville and 17 to Columbus. The Blue Jackets capitalized on their power opportunities, scoring two power-play goals. Elvis Merzlikins turned aside 24 shots to earn the win, while Juuse Saros struggled, allowing seven goals on 26 shots before Justus Annunen came on in relief and stopped 10 of 11 shots.
Despite the victory, the Blue Jackets remain two points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, although they do hold a game in hand. Columbus will practice on Wednesday in preparation for their upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Predators, who have now lost four straight and five of their last six games, will head to Dallas for a matchup against the Stars on Thursday.
This game not only marked a significant win for the Blue Jackets but also highlighted the potential of their young stars as they continue to vie for playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference.
