CBJ score twice late to beat Philadelphia, move up standings
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
By Kevin Rouch
krouch@cbussports.com
Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins makes an acrobatic “toe” save during the Blue Jackets’ 5-3 win over Philadelphia Wednesday at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
See our PHOTO GALLERY of the game
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ game with the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday at Nationwide Arena was an important matchup for both teams as they battle for playoff slots in the NHL’s Metro Division. Coming into Wednesday’s contest, the Flyers were two points ahead of Columbus.
The Blue Jackets took a 3-1 lead into the third, but saw it erased with two goals from Travis Konecny, who had scored Philadelphia’s first goal as well, giving him his third career hat trick. Columbus responded with two tallies of their own, including an empty netter, to win 5-3 and move up in the Eastern Conference standings.
The evening started with a ceremony to celebrate Charlie Coyle’s 1,000th game. Coyle received a traditional silver stick, along with a Rolex from his teammates and a painting commemorating his career. He then scored the game’s first goal just 38 seconds after the opening puck drop.
After spending most of the season on Injured Reserve, Erik Gudbranson is greeted by his Columbus teammates after scoring his first goal Wednesday against Philadelphia at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
“I’m just glad everything’s over with. It’s funny the way it works sometimes,” said Coyle after the game. “It’s nice to help contribute and I’m wondering if my parents made it up to their seats yet or not.”
After Konecny tied the game in the first period, Kirill Marchenko scored his 19th goal of the season, tying him for the team lead with Zach Werenski. That set the stage for the third period’s drama.
After the Blue Jackets went through a tough stretch earlier this season where third period leads were evaporating with regularity, what was the direction provided by head coach Rick Bowness? “Get ready for your next shift,” he said in his post-game press conference.
Sean Monahan, who ended up scoring the go-ahead goal against Philadelphia in the third period for the Columbus Blue Jackets, faces off with former Jacket Lane Pederson. Photo: Kevin Rouch
“Give them credit. They made a couple of good plays in those goals. Just get ready for your next shift. Put it behind you and let’s get back on our toes. We’re an aggressive team. We’re not gonna sit, we’re not sitting back, all right?”
With the win, Columbus now has 57 points as do four other teams in the Eastern Conference. Specifically in the Metro, the Blue Jackets, Washington, and Philadelphia are just six points out of third place. Columbus still has 30 games to play most of them after the February break for the Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
Before that, the Jackets have four games beginning with two road contests, at Chicago Friday and St. Louis Saturday. The game in Chicago begins at 8:30 p.m. EST, while the puck drops in St. Louis at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Columbus’s Dmitri Voronkov (right) battles after trying to deflect a shot ultimately saved by Philadelphia goaltender Dan Vladar Wednesday at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch