Charlie Coyle scored with 13:53 left in regulation to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 3-2 victory over the visiting Nashville Predators on Tuesday.
One night after winning in overtime despite surrendering a four-goal third-period lead, the Blue Jackets scored twice in the final 20 minutes for a comeback win in regulation.
Coyle posted his 16th goal of the season, while Sean Monahan’s second short-handed goal in as many days tied the game four minutes earlier.
Adam Fantilli extended his goal-scoring streak to four games with the game’s opening tally.
Jet Greaves made 20 saves for the Blue Jackets, but the Blue Jackets goalie sat out eight minutes of the first period under the concussion protocol after colliding with Nashville’s Nick Blankenburg near the net. Elvis Merzlikins saved a pair in Greaves’ absence.
Filip Forsberg scored a power-play goal for the Predators, and Ryan O’Reilly received credit for an own goal by the Blue Jackets in the second period.
O’Reilly, the Predators points’ leader, left the game midway through the third period after taking the butt of Coyle’s stick to the face. O’Reilly, who does not wear a visor, skated off on his own with a noticeable cut just below the eye.
Justus Annunen stopped 24 shots, but the Predators lost their third straight.
Coyle got credit for the game-winner as he and Predators defenseman Roman Josi battled in front of Annunen. Damon Severson’s shot from the point caromed off Coyle into the net. Nashville unsuccessfully challenged for interference.
Just before the game, the Predators announced Michael McCarron, who took part in pregame warm-ups, would not play “for roster management purposes.” Before the first period ended, the Minnesota Wild announced they traded for the forward.
Columbus also announced just prior to the opening faceoff that center and team captain Boone Jenner would miss the game for “maintenance” and is considered day-to-day. Defenseman Zach Werenski, the Blue Jackets leading scorer, missed his second straight game due to an illness.
Then, on the faceoff after Greaves left the ice, Cole Smith, another Nashville forward, came out for his first shift only to leave immediately after the puck dropped. He headed to the locker room as reports circulated that the Predators were trading him as well.
–Field Level Media
