Columbus extends overtime streak to 5-0 with 2-1 shootout win over Dallas

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Zach Werenski scored with 3:14 remaining in the third period to tie the game against the Dallas Stars, setting the stage for a decisive shootout. The tie sent the contest to extra time, where the home team secured its fifth consecutive victory in games extending beyond regulation.

Valeri Nichushkin opened the scoring in the shootout, firing a backhand shot past Dallas goaltender Casey DeSmith as Columbus' second shooter. Kent Johnson followed with a strike between DeSmith's legs, marking his second game-deciding goal of the season. These two goals lifted the Blue Jackets to a 2-1 victory Thursday night.

The win marks Columbus' third straight home victory. The team now holds a 5-0 record in overtime and shootout situations this season. Cam Talbot stopped 27 shots, recording his fourth consecutive win and his 27th career shootout victory.

Dallas had hoped to end the scoreless deadlock in the final second of the second period. A shot by Mikko Rantanen appeared to cross the line, but the puck did not fully clear the plane before the period expired. Rantanen eventually broke through at 6:27 of the third period, scoring his ninth goal of the season after a turnover by Ivan Provorov in front of the net. Wyatt Johnston provided the assist.

Werenski's goal was his first of the season, extending his personal point streak to five games. Johnson added an assist earlier in the game, extending his own streak to six games. He now leads the team with 14 points. The loss halted a two-game winning streak for Dallas, whose goaltender Casey DeSmith stopped 29 shots.

The Stars host San Jose on Saturday. The Blue Jackets travel to Buffalo on Friday to complete a back-to-back schedule.