Blue Jackets Edge Stars 2-1 in Shootout Thriller at Nationwide Arena

Columbus takes late lead

The Columbus Blue Jackets secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the visiting Dallas Stars on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Nationwide Arena. The win improved the home team’s record to 7-7-0 with 14 points, while the Dallas Stars fell to 9-5-2 with 20 points.

The game remained scoreless through the first two periods before Dallas struck first in the third frame. Mikko Rantanen scored his ninth goal of the season on a wrist shot, assisted by Wyatt Johnston, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. The Stars held the lead until late in the regular regulation time when Columbus responded with urgency.

Werenski ties it up

Zach Werenski leveled the score at 1-1 with his first career goal, a backhand shot assisted by Kent Johnson and Matthew Knies. With the game tied heading into overtime, neither squad could find the winning marker during the extra period, sending the contest to a shootout.

Shootout decides fate

In the decisive shootout round, Columbus goaltender stopped all Dallas attempts while his offense capitalized on two opportunities. Valeri Nichushkin opened the scoring for the Blue Jackets with a backhand goal. Kent Johnson sealed the victory shortly after, scoring his seventh assist of the season on a wrist shot that put Columbus ahead 2-1.

Statistical highlights

Rantanen and Johnston were the primary offensive drivers for Dallas, each contributing one point. For Columbus, Werenski recorded one goal and one point, while Johnson added an assist. The attendance at Nationwide Arena was 15,020.

Sources

ESPN