The Columbus Blue Jackets came into their home game with Ottawa Tuesday having won four in a row, three straight under new head coach Rick Bowness. The Senators took advantage of a sluggish start by the Blue Jackets to score twice in their first five shots and go on to win 4-1.

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made his third consecutive start after putting together winning performances in Columbus’s wins against Vancouver and Pittsburgh. He lasted just one period Tuesday, however, giving up goals to Tyler Kleven and Tim Stützle. He did not return for the next period because of an illness.

The Blue Jackets scored just once against the Sens and that came in the first period when Sean Monahan recorded his seventh goal of the season. Columbus gained some momentum in the second frame, but could not find the net despite a number of promising chances, including three power play opportunities.

Jet Greaves played the last two periods in goal for the Jackets and stopped 12 of 13 shots (92.3%). His opposite number, 37-year old James Reimer, earned the win for Ottawa in just his second game with the club. Reimer gave up Columbus’s one goal on 22 shots (95.5%).

Tuesday’s contest was the first of five home games for the Blue Jackets. They host the Dallas Stars Thursday at Nationwide Arena. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m.