Blue Jackets Suffer Fifth Straight Loss in 3-2 Defeat to Golden Knights
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Columbus, OH – The Columbus Blue Jackets extended their losing streak to five games on Friday, December 13, falling 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena despite a competitive start. The defeat underscores a growing concern for the team: a troubling inability to close out games.
The Blue Jackets entered the arena amidst a significant winter storm, but initially matched the intensity of their opponents for the first two periods. However, a collapse in offensive production during the third period proved decisive.
Third-Period Struggles Continue to Plague Columbus
Despite briefly regaining momentum with a goal from Yegor Chinakhov in the third period, the Golden Knights quickly responded. A poorly executed line change led to a tying goal from Vegas third-line defenseman Ben Hutton just over a minute later, shifting the momentum back in favor of the visitors.
The Golden Knights then took the lead with a goal from Brayden McNabb, assisted by Mitch Marner, who notched his third assist of the game. The goal, a top-corner shot from the right side of the net, proved to be the game-winner.
Late Penalty and Failed Power Play Seal Blue Jackets’ Fate
With 2:59 remaining in regulation, Blue Jackets forward Adam Fantilli was assessed a double minor penalty after being struck in the face with a stick by McNabb, providing Columbus with a crucial power play opportunity. Despite pulling goaltender Jet Greaves for a 6-on-4 advantage in the final minutes, the Blue Jackets failed to generate a quality scoring chance and stalled offensively.
“It’d be nice to get that to an overtime or a shootout,” said the Blue Jackets’ head coach, Dean Evanson. “We hit the post, we had a couple of opportunities there at the end… as far as our work, as far as our commitment, as far as our valuing how we need to play, we’ve seen a lot of that.”
Early Lead Squandered, Familiar Pattern Emerges
The Blue Jackets initially took the lead in the first period, outshooting the Golden Knights and breaking through at the 13-minute mark. Zach Werenski’s smooth skating and quick pass set up Charlie Coyle for a wrist shot, marking Coyle’s fifth goal of the season. However, the lead was short-lived.
Penalty trouble quickly hampered the Blue Jackets, with a goal from Pavel Dorofeyev evening the score during Vegas’ first power play. A subsequent goal from Ivan Provorov was overturned due to an Miles Wood offside call. Further disciplinary issues arose when Brenden Smith’s check on Dorofeyev resulted in another Vegas power play after making contact with the head.
Cole Sillinger had the best scoring opportunity for the Blue Jackets in the second period, skating past the Golden Knights’ defense, but his shot was directed straight at the goaltender’s legs. Coyle was unable to capitalize on the ensuing rebound.
This loss marks the 10th game this season the Blue Jackets have dropped after initially establishing a lead. The team has been significantly outscored 48-29 in the third period throughout 2025, highlighting a clear issue with late-game intensity.
“I think defensively, [it] was definitely better,” said Coyle. “It’s not perfect, but I think it’s a work in progress and it was a step in the right direction.”
Looking Ahead
With a record of 13-13-6, the Blue Jackets will attempt to break their losing streak on December 16 with a home game against the Anaheim Ducks.
