COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets entered Tuesday night's matchup against Colorado looking to end a two-game losing streak. Instead of simply finding a way to win, Columbus delivered one of its most impressive offensive performance of the season, defeating the Avalanche 7-2 at Nationwide Arena.
Charlie Coyle led the way with two goals and two assists, while Mathieu Olivier added a goal and two assists. Seven goals from six different players helped the Blue Jackets improve to 6-7-0, handing Colorado its first loss in four games.
Columbus wasted little time getting started. Just 28 seconds into the contest, Olivier took advantage of an early Colorado mistake and scored his third goal of the season, with Coyle picking up the assist.
Ivan Provorov doubled the lead at 7:37 of the first period, scoring a power-play goal with assists from Conor Garland and Valeri Nichushkin. Colorado responded when Cale Makar scored at 10:57, cutting the Columbus advantage to 2-1.
The Blue Jackets took complete control in the second period, scoring four consecutive goals to turn a close contest into a rout.
Jake Christiansen made it 3-1 just 4:19 into the period, converting a play set up by Olivier and Coyle. Cole Sillinger followed at 7:20, scoring his fourth goal of the season with assists from Zach Werenski and Olivier.
Coyle extended the lead to 5-1 at 12:03, finishing a play involving Kent Johnson and Werenski. Just 39 seconds later, Nichushkin scored his second goal of the season, giving Columbus a commanding five-goal advantage.
Colorado replaced starting goaltender Scott Wedgewood with Mackenzie Blackwood during the second period, but the damage had already been done.
Nazem Kadri scored on a two-man advantage at 16:35 to make it 6-2, with assists from Nathan MacKinnon and Makar. However, Colorado never seriously threatened to get back into the game.
Coyle added his second goal at 11:21 of the third period, completing his four-point night and accounting for the final margin.
Talbot was solid throughout, stopping 26 of 28 shots, while Columbus received goals from Olivier, Provorov, Christiansen, Sillinger, Coyle, and Nichushkin.
The victory was especially encouraging for a Blue Jackets team that had scored just one goal in its previous game against Dallas. Columbus also received contributions throughout the lineup, rather than relying exclusively on its top offensive players.
What's Next
The Blue Jackets return to action Thursday, November 5, when they host the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern.
