DETROIT — The Blue Jackets ended the preseason on a winning note Saturday night, building a three-goal lead before holding off the Detroit Red Wings for a 4-2 victory at Little Caesars Arena.
Charlie Coyle opened the scoring on the power play late in the first period, converting shortly after Detroit’s Justin Faulk was sent off for delay of game. Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski picked up the assists as Columbus grabbed a 1-0 lead.
The Blue Jackets doubled the advantage before the period ended. With 1:16 remaining, Valeri Nichushkin scored his second goal of the preseason off an assist from Coyle, sending Columbus into the first intermission ahead 2-0.
Columbus added another early in the second period when Jack Williams scored his first of the preseason at the 3:55 mark. Ryan Lomberg and Denton Mateychuk assisted on the play, giving the Blue Jackets a 3-0 lead.
Jet Greaves did the rest for much of the night. Detroit generated steady pressure, particularly during the second and third periods, but Greaves repeatedly turned the Red Wings away while Columbus protected its advantage.
Detroit finally broke through in the third. Ben Chiarot scored at 6:39 to cut the lead to 3-1, and Michael Rasmussen made things considerably more uncomfortable with another goal at 14:19.
The Red Wings continued pushing for the tying goal, but Columbus survived the late pressure before Cole Sillinger put the game away with 11 seconds remaining. Nichushkin and Sean Monahan assisted on Sillinger’s first goal of the preseason to produce the final 4-2 margin.
Coyle finished with a goal and an assist, while Nichushkin added a goal and an assist as Columbus closed its four-game preseason schedule with a 3-1 record.
The games start counting next week.
What’s Next
The Blue Jackets open the 2026-27 regular season Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
