The Columbus Blue Jackets had a tough assignment Tuesday, playing the second of back-to-back games in Winnipeg after beating Montreal at home Monday in a shootout. The Jets’ offense took control of the contest in the second period and beat the Jackets 5-2.

It was the start of another extended road trip for Columbus. After Tuesday’s night game in Manitoba, the Blue Jackets play in Toronto, Detroit, and Washington over the next week. They finished up a three-game homestand with Monday’s win against the Canadiens, adding five points to their record out of a possible six.

Against Winnipeg, the Jackets were tied 1-1 after the first period with Miles Wood scoring on a breakaway off a feed from Damon Severson. The Jets scored twice in the second period and added another two goals in the third.

Zach Werenski scored in the third period for Columbus. Combined with his assist on Wood’s goal, Werenski now has 400 points in his NHL career, all with the Blue Jackets. He is third in team history, behind only Rick Nash (547) and Cam Atkinson (402).

Elvis Merzlikins was back in goal for Columbus for the first time since Nov. 8, six games prior to Tuesday’s tilt. He stopped 26 of 31 shots against the Jets, giving up one power play goal. It was the fourth time that opponents had scored a season-high five goals against the Blue Jackets, all losses.

It was a homecoming for Columbus defenseman Denton Mateychuk who hails from Dominion City, about 60 miles south of Winnipeg. Mateychuk had more than 100 friends and family from his hometown in attendance at the game. He said, “It’s awesome that they’re able to come and support me.”

After the loss, head coach Dean Evason commented about the Jets, “They play a very structured game, obviously. They play a hard game, a heavy game.”

We thought we held our own a majority of the game and had an opportunity. And like I said, it was a couple of circumstances that allowed goals to go in (for Winnipeg).”

Columbus gets a day off Wednesday. On Thursday, the Jackets will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs beat St. Louis in overtime Tuesday to halt a five-game losing streak. They will be without star Auston Matthews Thursday. The puck is scheduled to drop at Scotiabank Arena at 7:00 p.m.