Nichushkin, Johnson Finish Off Stars 2-1 in Shootout Thriller

Shootout Decides Tight Contest

The Columbus Blue Jackets secured a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Nationwide Arena. The game remained deadlocked through two scoreless periods, with both teams exchanging possession but failing to find the back of the net. The decisive moments arrived in the third period and the subsequent shootout, where individual brilliance separated the two squads.

A crowd of 15,020 witnessed the contest, which featured intense defensive efforts before the scoring finally opened up late in the regulation time.

Third-Period Scoring Spree

The first goal of the game came in the third period when Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen broke the deadlock. Rantanen, credited with his ninth goal of the season, utilized a wrist shot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Wyatt Johnston provided the sole assist on the play, marking his 11th of the campaign.

The Blue Jackets responded swiftly to level the score at 1-1. Zach Werenski, recording his first goal of the season, finished a backhand play that was assisted by Kent Johnson and Matthew Knies. This back-and-forth exchange set the stage for a sudden-death finish, as neither team could pull away in the remaining minutes of regulation.

Shootout Showdown

With the score tied at the end of regulation, the teams proceeded directly to the shootout. Valeri Nichushkin opened the shootout scoring for Columbus with a backhand attempt. Following this, Kent Johnson added to his game with a wrist shot, ensuring the Blue Jackets held the lead in the penalty shots.

The shootout proved to be the defining factor in the match, as the regular-time scoring was evenly matched with one goal apiece. The performance highlighted the depth of the Blue Jackets' roster, with multiple players contributing to the final tally.

Standout Performances and Records

Zach Werenski was the standout performer for Columbus, registering one goal and one point. Kent Johnson also contributed one assist and one point, playing a pivotal role in both the regulation tie and the shootout victory. For Dallas, Mikko Rantanen recorded one goal and one point, while Wyatt Johnston provided one assist.

The win improves the Blue Jackets' record to 7-7-0 with 14 points. The Stars drop to 9-5-2 with 20 points. The game showcased the competitive nature of the league, with both teams displaying strong defensive structures before the late-game scoring erupted.

Sources

ESPN