RALEIGH, N.C. — The Columbus Blue Jackets nearly erased a three-goal deficit Thursday night, scoring twice in the third period before falling 3-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. The loss snapped Columbus's two-game winning streak despite an improved offensive effort in the final period.
The Blue Jackets entered the third period trailing 2-0, and their situation became worse just 16 seconds after the opening faceoff. Mark Jankowski scored his seventh goal of the season, with assists from Seth Jarvis and Jalen Chatfield, to give Carolina a 3-0 advantage.
Columbus began generating more opportunities as the period progressed, but Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov turned aside several attempts. Adam Fantilli came close to getting the Jackets on the scoreboard when his shot struck the right post early in the period.
The Blue Jackets finally broke through with 13:04 remaining when Denton Mateychuk scored his fourth goal of the season while Columbus was shorthanded. Jake Christiansen and Sean Monahan received assists on the goal, cutting Carolina's lead to 3-1 despite the Jackets being down a man following Charlie Coyle's tripping penalty.
Less than three minutes later, Kent Johnson scored his seventh goal of the season on the power play with 10:10 remaining, just seven seconds after Carolina's Sean Walker was penalized for tripping Coyle. Coyle and Zach Werenski assisted on the goal, bringing Columbus within one.
The Jackets continued pressing for the equalizer, with Mateychuk and Werenski forcing saves from Kochetkov during the second half of the period. Werenski also struck the right post with 6:36 remaining, narrowly missing an opportunity to tie the score.
Despite the late pressure, Carolina held on to preserve the 3-2 victory.
The loss drops the Blue Jackets to 5-6-0 and ends a brief winning streak that included overtime victories over Vegas and Philadelphia.
What's Next
The Blue Jackets continue their road trip Saturday, October 31, when they visit the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
