That's how you go into the break.
Kirill Marchenko had a three-point night including the game-winning goal to power the Columbus Blue Jackets over the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 on Monday at Nationwide Arena. The win snaps the Canadiens' seven-game winning streak over Columbus.
Jet Greaves was recalled on Sunday and made 27 saves in the win. The Canadiens fall to 2-12-3 when the opposition scores first.
Spoiling Laine's Return
Patrik Laine appeared in his first game against the Blue Jackets since the summer trade that netted Jordan Harris.
Laine's return featured spicy pregame comments about his former team and time in Columbus, boos when he touched the puck, and an upper-body injury sustained in the first period that forced him out of the rest of the game, thus making his return short-lived.
Patrik Laine touches the puck and the boos rain down in Columbus. pic.twitter.com/3RXtL755jH
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 24, 2024
Per official stats, Patrik Laine (upper body injury) was on the receiving end of four hits from four #CBJ players in the first period, not counting the encounter with Dmitri Voronkov. Appeared to be favoring his arm after one from Dante Fabbro.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) December 24, 2024
Before the game, Laine discussed his reasoning for requesting a trade from the Blue Jackets.
The Athletic: Patrik Laine, set to face the Blue Jackets for the first time with #GoHabsGo, said he asked for a trade because #CBJ werent committed to winning.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) December 23, 2024
I was tired of losing and just giving up when its December to start focusing on next year.https://t.co/dzou0b4CZm
After the game, Zach Werenski made it known exactly how he and his teammates felt about their former teammate's comments.
#CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski did not hold back when asked about Laines comments earlier in the day:
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 24, 2024
Its unfortunate For him to bash us like that, I think its just unacceptable.
We were nothing but good teammates to him. For him to come in and say that is bullshit.
Columbus had a video tribute planned for Laine but decided against playing it after what went down earlier.
The game couldn't have gone any sweeter for the player he was traded for.
Harris scored his first goal as a Blue Jacket at 3:34 of the second period to make it 3-1 Columbus.
Denton Mateychuk's Debut
Denton Mateychuk, the 12th overall pick in 2022, made his NHL debut for the Blue Jackets Monday night.
Mateychuk led the Cleveland Monsters with 25 points, nine goals, and 16 assists and led AHL defensemen in goals and points.
Welcome to the NHL, Denton! #CBJpic.twitter.com/PeGezqKYVb
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 23, 2024
After Monday's game, he played 18:36 and was sent back to Cleveland along with Jet Greaves and Mikael Pyyhtia.
Streaking Scorers
Columbus has some impressive scoring streaks at the moment.
Dmitri Voronkov started the scoring with his ninth of the season at 12:03 to continue a five-game point streak (two goals, four assists). Monahan had the first of three assists on the night.
#CBJ respond to make it 3-1 as Harris scores his first as a Blue Jacket. Assists Monahan (0-2-2) and Marchenko. Monahan's two assists mark his fifth multi-assist game this season.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) December 24, 2024
Zach Werenski had three assists to continue an 11-game point streak at Nationwide Arena.
Second period is ready to begin with the #CBJ up 2-0.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 24, 2024
Zach Werenski's primary assist on Johnson's goal at 18:45 gives him points in 11 consecutive games at Nationwide Arena, a new franchise record.
Kirill Marchenko recorded three points along with the winning goal and Zach Werenski tallied three assists for the seventh time in his career to help propel the @BlueJacketsNHL to victory.#NHLStats: https://t.co/EFjaaT0uBj pic.twitter.com/rPYJSfUDA9
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 24, 2024
His three-point night was historic in another way. Werenski took over sole possession of fourth place on the Blue Jackets all-time points list with 337, passing Nick Foligno.
Second period is ready to begin with the #CBJ up 2-0.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 24, 2024
Zach Werenski's primary assist on Johnson's goal at 18:45 gives him points in 11 consecutive games at Nationwide Arena, a new franchise record.
Not bad for a guy who wasn't sure he would play Monday.
#CBJ D Zach Werenski on leaving Saturday night's game for a bit and his status for today:
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) December 23, 2024
I knew right away it wasnt a long-term injury or anything like that, but I wasnt sure in the short term what was going on. I feel pretty good today and well see how I feel this
With one goal and two assists on the night, Marchenko stretched his point streak to six games (three goals, seven assists) and has points in nine of his last 10 games. Marchenko leads the Blue Jackets with 37 points, and 13 goals, and is tied for the team lead with 24 assists with Werenski.
Christmas Break
The Blue Jackets are on holiday break and will resume action on Friday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. ET when they host the Boston Bruins in the first half of a home and home. They'll be in Boston on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. ET.
