Two in a row.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
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1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
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CBJ GOALS: |
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The Columbus Blue Jackets scored twice in the first 6:07 of the third period to hang on and beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena.
For the second straight day, Sean Monahan scored a shorthanded goal, and Charlie Coyle scored the go-ahead and game-winning goal. Adam Fantilli scored for the fourth straight game.
Jet Greaves left the game for concussion protocol with 12:14 remaining in the first period after Nick Blankenburg inadvertently bumped Greaves in the head following a shot by the Predators. The Predators did not have a shot on goal against Greaves when he left the game. Elvis Merzlikins made two saves on two shots in relief.
Greaves returned later in the first period and got the win with 21 saves.
Nashville got its goals from Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly. Justus Annunen made 24 saves.
Adam Fantilli scored to put the Blue Jackets on top 1-0 at 14:23 of the first period.
On the power play late in the first period at 19:32, the Predators tied it up with Forsberg getting the goal. In the second period, O'Reilly scored at 14:39 for the Predators.
For the second straight game, the Blue Jackets scored a shorthanded goal, and it was Monahan doing it on both occasions, as he put in the equalizer at 1:52 of the third period.
Coyle scored the Jackets' second goal of the period as Columbus regained the 3-2 lead at 6:07.
What was the message going into the third period down a goal?
"(Nashville) had scored two greasy goals and we needed to score some greasy goals," head coach Rick Bowness said. "It certainly wasn't a Picasso out there tonight. You had two tired teams, and it was obvious. They got both of their goals by just putting in the net and slashing it in. We were encouraging our forwards, and we did a much better job in the third period overall of getting into the paint."
Cole Smith was traded mid-game to the Vegas Golden Knights and drew into the game on the ensuing face-off after Greaves left the game. Smith was credited with a game played and three seconds of ice time as he went to the bench right after the draw.
Zach Werenski missed his second consecutive game due to illness. Boone Jenner did not play (maintenance - lower body injury). Kent Johnson returned to the lineup after missing the last two games (healthy scratch).
Here's how the Blue Jackets found a way to get a win and much-needed two points:
1st Period:
(14:23 — CBJ Goal): Fantilli (17) scored for the fourth straight game to tie a career-high, giving the Blue Jackets the 1-0 lead. He has points in five straight (four goals, three assists). Kirill Marchenko (29) and Mason Marchment (16) had the assists.
TIC - TAC - GOAL
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 4, 2026
CBJ x @FanaticsBook pic.twitter.com/NxUrywXnPc
It's the sixth straight game, and the 10th time in the last 11, the Blue Jackets scored first.
(19:32 — NSH Goal): Forsberg's 27th pulled the Predators even on the power play. Steven Stamkos picked up his 17th assist, and Luke Evangelista added his 38th. The Predators were getting several whacks at the puck in front of Greaves. The call on the ice was a goal as the refs huddled to review, and the original call stood.
A at Fil's equalizer pic.twitter.com/EfNNcZavDO
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 4, 2026
2nd Period:
(14:39 — NSH Goal): O'Reilly's 22nd goal, unassisted, put Nashville ahead for the first time. The play originated behind the Blue Jackets' net before a scramble at the net in which O'Reilly poked it through. A lot of goals like that of late against the Blue Jackets.
Factor for the lead pic.twitter.com/F6mXbi0QMo
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 4, 2026
3rd Period:
(1:52 — CBJ Goal): Monahan (12), unassisted, scored shorthanded for the second straight night.
MONNY GOT THE SHORTY!
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 4, 2026
CBJ x @FanaticsBook pic.twitter.com/3bgZtQYDd0
(6:07 — CBJ Goal): Coyle scored his 16th, giving Columbus the lead back. He has points in three straight (one goal, three assists). Damon Severson (20) and Denton Mateychuk (15) got the assists. The call on the ice was a goal, and Nashville challenged for goaltender interference, and the call was upheld.
#3 NETS OUR 3RD AND WE HAVE THE LEAD
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 4, 2026
CBJ x @FanaticsBook pic.twitter.com/Cqn8JqvqYn
| NSH | GAME STATS | CBJ |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | SHOTS | 27 |
| 50.0% | FACEOFFS | 50.0% |
| 1/2 | POWER PLAY | 0/4 |
| 4/4 | PENALTY KILL | 1/2 |
| 12 | HITS | 14 |
| 15 | GIVEAWAYS | 12 |
| 6 | TAKEAWAYS | 4 |
| 16 | BLOCKED SHOTS | 16 |
| ALL SITUATIONS ADVANCED STATS | ||
| 57 | SHOT ATTEMPTS | 69 |
| 27 | SCORING CHANCES | 35 |
| 13 | HIGH-DANGER CHANCES | 9 |
| Advanced Data Via NaturalStatTrick.com | ||
Stat Chat:
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The home team is 18-3-1 in the last 22 meetings between the Blue Jackets and Predators.
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Monahan became the second Blue Jacket all-time (R.J. Umberger, Oct. 15-16, 2010) with shorthanded goals in back-to-back days. He's one of five Blue Jackets all-time with shorthanded goals in back-to-back games (Rick Nash with two), Umberger, Alexandre Texier, and Cam Atkinson.
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The Blue Jackets have swept their last three back-to-back sets and fifth this season. They are 16-5-3 in back-to-backs this season.
- Columbus is 5-1-0 without Werenski.
Up Next:
Game two of a four-game homestand picks back up with the Florida Panthers coming into town to face the Blue Jackets on Thursday. Puck-drop is set for 7 p.m.
