Columbus Blue Jackets Extend Streak to 12 Games with Dominant 5-2 Win Over Seattle Kraken
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their red-hot form with a decisive 5-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, pushing their point streak to an impressive 12 games.
A blistering first period set the tone, with Danton Heinen, Damon Severson, and Mathieu Olivier all finding the net early. Defenseman Zach Werenski played a key role, assisting on all three opening goals, while goaltender Elvis Merzlikins turned away 15 shots to secure the win.
For Seattle, the loss marked their third straight defeat, leaving them two points behind the Nashville Predators in the tight race for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.
Fast Start Seals the Deal
Columbus wasted no time taking control. Heinen opened the scoring just 2:48 into the game, followed by Severson’s record-setting goal at 8:58. His shot from the left circle marked the 52nd goal by a Blue Jackets defenseman this season—a new franchise high. Olivier extended the lead to 3-0 before Seattle’s Vince Dunn got the Kraken on the board late in the first.
The Kraken showed signs of life in the second period when Kaapo Kakko capitalized on a power play, cutting the deficit to 3-2. But Columbus responded immediately, with Kent Johnson ending a 12-game scoring drought just 62 seconds later to restore the two-goal cushion.
Cole Sillinger, who finished with a goal and two assists, sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minutes.
Injury Woes for Seattle
Seattle’s struggles were compounded by the absence of leading scorer Jared McCann, who was a late scratch due to a lower-body injury. Eeli Tolvanen returned from a two-game absence but couldn’t spark a comeback.
Joey Daccord made 23 saves for the Kraken, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
What’s Next?
The Kraken will look to rebound when they visit the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the surging Blue Jackets face a quick turnaround, traveling to face the New York Islanders on Sunday as they aim to extend their streak further.
With playoff hopes fading for Seattle and Columbus riding a wave of momentum, both teams face critical matchups in the coming days.
— Reported by Nexio News
