Bad two minutes lead to Blue Jackets' loss against New Jersey
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
By Kevin Rouch
krouch@cbussports.com
Charlie Coyle (3) chips in a shot after players pile up in front of the New Jersey net during the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 3-2 loss at Nationwide Arena Wednesday. Photo: Kevin Rouch
The Columbus Blue Jackets seemed to have solved their issues with giving up leads in the third period. Coming into Wednesday’s home matchup with the New Jersey Devils, they had won three games in a row by dominating the final frame against their opponents.
Wednesday’s contest saw the Blue Jackets give up a 2-0 lead in the third to fall 3-2 to the Devils. All three goals came in a 1:56 burst in the first five minutes of the period. The first came on a New Jersey power play opportunity.
Jet Greaves makes a save during the second period of the Blue Jackets’ loss to the New Jersey Devils Wednesday at Nationwide Arena. Photo: Kevin Rouch
“It was a pretty hard-fought game,” said Mathieu Olivier after the game. “I don’t want to take credit away from them, but, you know, three minutes, two minutes, and that’s what cost us. So, yeah. Very frustrating.”
The Blue Jackets got goals from Mason Marchment, who now has six points in five games since joining the team after being traded by Seattle, and Charlie Coyle. Boone Jenner had the primary assist on Coyle’s score, which gave the Columbus captain a total of 400 points in his 13th NHL season, all with the Blue Jackets.
Mason Marchment kept his point streak alive with a first-period goal at Nationwide Arena Wednesday. He has six points in five games since joining the Blue Jackets. Photo: Kevin Rouch
Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves stopped 30 of 33 shots on the night (.909), but suffered the loss, the first in his last four outings. Jackets forward Miles Wood left the ice in the first period with what appeared to be a lower-body injury after a collision into the boards.
Columbus is back on the ice at Nationwide Arena Saturday afternoon. The very hot Buffalo Sabres come to town for a game beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Mathieu Olivier (24) is held back by officials after he taking umbrage with New Jersey’s Timo Meier during the Blue Jackets’ game at Nationwide Arena Wednesday. Photo: Kevin Rouch