Blue Jackets Seek Momentum Against Dallas After Home Victory

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets returned to the ice Saturday after a two-week break, securing a commanding 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationwide Arena. The win marked their 21st point in their last 25 home games, as Columbus is in pursuit of a playoff spot.

Columbus, currently fourth in the Metropolitan Division, took control early, leading 1-0 after the first period and increasing their lead to 3-1 by the end of the second. Despite some rustiness, as noted by forward Kent Johnson, the team was able to maintain their focus and secure the two points from the win.

“I think we were working,” Johnson said. “We had the work ethic. I think we’ve had that pretty much the whole year, but I think guys can sharpen up. Everyone had some plays they felt a little rusty on, so I’m excited to keep going.”

The significance of the win was amplified by the knowledge that only three of Columbus’s remaining 26 games are against teams currently out of playoff contention. Zach Werenski, also highlighted the necessity for improvement moving forward after facing a competitive opponent.

“If we want to get to where we want to go, we have to play better than that,” Werenski said. “I think it was a little bit to be expected. After the first period, I thought we were moving well. I thought in the second, they took it to us a little bit, but that’s just part of the break.”

The Blue Jackets will face a much tougher challenge on Tuesday when they host the Dallas Stars, who are currently tied for second in the Central Division and boast the third-highest points percentage in the NHL. The Stars come into the game with an impressive 8-1-1 record over their last 10 games.

Columbus’s solid performance against Chicago set the stage for this matchup. The game saw the returns of several key players, including captain Boone Jenner, Kirill Marchenko, and defenseman Dante Fabbro. Coach Peter DeBoer expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt and perform together.

The Stars, coming off a three-game winning streak, have established themselves as a competitive force in the league. With Matt Duchene leading the Stars with 59 points this season, including 23 goals and 36 assists, his performance will be pivotal against Columbus. Jason Robertson, also impactful with 54 points, is emerging as a key player for Dallas.

The impact of injuries on Dallas cannot be ignored, as the team is currently missing top defenseman Miro Heiskanen due to surgery, along with Tyler Seguin. Despite this, Dallas has managed to maintain winning form, reflecting the depth of their roster.

“We’re dealing with injuries, but the guys who have stepped in have played well,” Duchene said. “We’re focused on taking it one game at a time and continuing to push ourselves.”

Columbus will look to capitalize on their strong home record and improve their playoff chances against a formidable Dallas club. The matchup is critical for both teams as they eye playoff positioning down the stretch of the season.