In Columbus, Ohio, Boone Jenner netted two goals, and Zach Werenski set a franchise record with four assists, propelling the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 7-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. This win ended the Blue Jackets' nine-game losing streak.
Kirill Marchenko contributed a goal and an assist, while Eric Gudbranson, Cole Sillinger, and Dmitri Voronkov also found the back of the net. Adam Boqvist added three assists, and goalie Elvis Merzlikins made 34 saves for the Blue Jackets, who hadn't won a game since November 2, matching a franchise record for consecutive losses.
Blue Jackets coach Pascale Vincent commended his team's performance, emphasizing their adherence to the right strategies and strong work ethic. The victory was a result of connecting offensively, something they had struggled with in the past.
For Chicago, Connor Bedard, Jason Dickinson, and Ryan Donato scored, with Petr Mrazek making 13 saves before being replaced by Arvid Soderblom in the second period. The Blackhawks suffered their fifth consecutive loss, with the last three defeats occurring on the road.
Jenner opened the scoring early in the game, and Gudbranson extended the lead with a powerful shot from the right circle. Jenner added another goal on the power play, showcasing a cohesive team effort. Despite Bedard's goal for Chicago, the second period belonged to Columbus, with four goals, including Voronkov's that led to Mrazek being pulled from the net.
Werenski's four assists in the game set a new record for a Blue Jackets defenseman. The team's overall performance was highlighted by a balanced offensive contribution and solid execution. The Blackhawks struggled to find their footing early in the game, and the motivated Blue Jackets capitalized on this.
Jenner acknowledged the team effort, emphasizing the readiness, focus, and execution that contributed to the win. With the victory, Columbus looks to build momentum for future games.
The Blue Jackets will face the New Jersey Devils next, while the Blackhawks are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs in their upcoming matchup.
