ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Columbus Blue Jackets couldn't build on Saturday's shutout victory over the New York Rangers, falling 2-1 to the Minnesota Wild Sunday evening at Grand Casino Arena.
Adam Fantilli scored Columbus' only goal, while Cam Talbot kept the Blue Jackets within striking distance throughout the game. Unfortunately, the Jackets couldn't find an equalizer against Minnesota goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who turned aside their attempts to force overtime.
The loss drops Columbus to 3-4-0 on the season and continues an inconsistent opening stretch in which the Blue Jackets have struggled to string together consecutive victories.
Late First-Period Goals
Minnesota opened the scoring with 1:48 remaining in the first period when Danila Yurov scored his fourth goal of the season, with Yakov Trenin recording the assist.
Columbus answered just one minute later. Fantilli scored his second goal of the season with 48 seconds remaining in the period, assisted by Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan, sending the teams into the first intermission tied at 1-1.
The Blue Jackets had an opportunity to take the lead earlier in the period on a power play following a tripping penalty against Minnesota's Zach Bogosian, but they couldn't capitalize.
Kaprizov Provides the Winner
The Wild regained the lead early in the second period after Columbus defenseman Denton Mateychuk was called for high-sticking Blake Coleman.
Minnesota capitalized on the power play when Kirill Kaprizov scored his 10th goal of the season at 3:06 of the period. Maxim Shabanov and Joel Eriksson Ek recorded the assists, giving the Wild a 2-1 advantage.
Columbus had an opportunity to respond later in the period when Matt Boldy was called for hooking Charlie Coyle. The Blue Jackets generated shots from Coyle, Werenski, and Kent Johnson during the advantage, but Wallstedt kept Minnesota in front.
Talbot also faced plenty of pressure in the second period, turning aside several attempts from Boldy and other Minnesota attackers to keep the deficit at one goal.
Columbus Can't Find the Equalizer
The Blue Jackets entered the third period trailing by one but struggled to generate sustained offensive pressure against Minnesota.
Werenski had a shot stopped by Wallstedt midway through the period, while Columbus continued searching for an opportunity to tie the game.
A tripping penalty against Erik Gudbranson with 4:53 remaining made the comeback more difficult, forcing the Jackets to spend two valuable minutes killing another penalty.
Columbus made one final push in the closing seconds. Coyle had a shot stopped by Wallstedt with 32 seconds remaining, while Johnson missed the net with seven seconds left.
The Wild held on for the 2-1 victory, denying the Blue Jackets an opportunity to earn points on the second night of a back-to-back.
What's Next
Columbus returns home Tuesday, October 20, to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
The Blue Jackets have shown they can play strong defensive hockey, as they did in Saturday's shutout against New York, but Sunday's loss was another reminder that they need more consistent offensive production.
Columbus has scored just two goals over its last two games and will look to get its offense going again when Toronto comes to town.
