Jan 2, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

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Red Wings beat Blue Jackets for third win in a row this season

Jonatan Berggren scores in the end, Red Wings beat Blue Jackets 5-4 and continue to recover in the standings

The Nationwide Arena witnessed one of the most thrilling games of the 2024-25 NHL season on Thursday night (2).

To the disappointment of the home crowd, the Columbus Blue Jackets couldn’t hold off the Detroit Red Wings, who secured a late 5-4 victory, marking their third consecutive win this season.

The standout performance of the game came from Jonatan Berggren, who scored the decisive goal with just 36 seconds remaining in regulation. Drafted by Detroit in the second round of the 2018 draft, the young Swede now has five goals this season, bringing his total to 22 goals in 114 NHL games.

Alongside Berggren, Alex DeBrincat contributed three points, while Cam Talbot made 21 saves.

For the Blue Jackets, James van Riemsdyk scored twice, and Zach Werenski recorded two assists, extending his home-point streak to 14 games. This loss marked Columbus’s first defeat in their last four games.

First Period: Early Fireworks

The goal fest began early, with the home team opening the scoring just two minutes into the game. Cole Sillinger’s shot was deflected by Van Riemsdyk, beating Talbot and giving the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead. At the six-minute mark, Alex DeBrincat fired a shot that Elvis Merzlikins couldn’t hold, allowing Patrick Kane to bury the rebound and tie the game at 1-1. Kane extended his streak, scoring at least one goal in his last three games.

In the final five minutes of the first period, Detroit took control of the scoreboard. Erik Gustafsson put the Red Wings ahead, and shortly after, DeBrincat extended the lead on a power play, sending Detroit into the intermission with a commanding 3-1 advantage.

Second Period: Blue Jackets Rally

The Blue Jackets mounted a comeback in the second period. At 11 minutes, Adam Fantilli won an offensive zone faceoff and passed the puck to Werenski, whose blistering shot found the net, making it 3-2. With a minute left in the period, Van Riemsdyk set up Sean Monahan, who scored with a backhand to tie the game at 3-3. The goal brought Monahan’s tally to 13 this season.

Third Period: High Drama

In the final period, Detroit capitalized once again on the power play. At four minutes, DeBrincat delivered a brilliant assist to Dylan Larkin, and the Red Wings’ captain restored their lead at 4-3. Columbus, desperate to equalize, pushed forward, but Talbot made several key saves.

With less than three minutes remaining, Fantilli fired a shot that Talbot couldn’t control, allowing Van Riemsdyk to score his second goal of the game and tie it at 4-4.

Detroit’s coach, Todd McLellan, challenged the goal, claiming interference with Talbot. After review, the referees upheld the goal, granting the Blue Jackets a power play. The Nationwide Arena erupted with hope.

However, as Berggren exited the penalty box, Tyler Motte launched the puck into the offensive zone, creating a breakaway opportunity. Berggren capitalized with a masterful finish, sealing the 5-4 victory for Detroit.

Postgame Standings and Next Matchups

The win brought Detroit to 36 points on the season, but they remain in the second-to-last spot in the Atlantic Division, eight points behind the Boston Bruins, who hold the third-place playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets sit at 38 points, sixth in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the third-place Carolina Hurricanes by 10 points.

Looking ahead, the Red Wings will face the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday in an away game, while the Blue Jackets will host the St. Louis Blues on the same day. Don’t miss the highlights and all nine goals from this electrifying victory by the Detroit Red Wings over the Columbus Blue Jackets.