A thrilling NHL encounter unfolded on January 24, 2026, as the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning. This game was more than just a regular season match; it was a battle of streaks and a showcase of individual brilliance.
The Lightning's Impressive Run Comes to an End
Tampa Bay's remarkable streak of 15 consecutive games without a regulation loss met its match against the determined Blue Jackets. But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, unexpected.
Columbus, led by the hat-trick hero Mason Marchment, dominated the opening period with a four-goal burst, their highest total in an opening frame in nearly two decades!
And this is the part most people miss: Charlie Coyle, with his 200th career goal and two assists, was a key contributor to this early onslaught. Adam Fantilli, Dmitri Voronkov, and Sean Monahan also found the back of the net, with Zach Werenski providing two assists.
The Blue Jackets' early lead was a testament to their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.
However, Tampa Bay fought back, with Jake Guentzel scoring twice and Nikita Kucherov adding a goal and three assists. Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel also chipped in with goals and assists.
But the game took a turn when Erik Cernak and Charle-Edouard D'Astous had to leave the ice due to injuries sustained in the first and third periods, respectively.
The game's opening goal came from Cole Sillinger, who capitalized on a neutral-zone turnover. However, Tampa Bay quickly equalized when Greaves' clearing attempt took a deflection off Isac Lundestrom's skate and found its way into the net.
Kucherov's 26th goal of the season and Cirelli's tying goal kept the Lightning in the game, but it was Marchment's second-period strike that proved to be the game-winner.
Werenski's two assists in the second period tied him with Rick Nash for the franchise lead in multi-assist periods.
The Lightning now host Utah on Monday, while the Blue Jackets take on Los Angeles.
So, who do you think will come out on top in these upcoming matches? Will the Lightning bounce back, or will the Blue Jackets continue their impressive form? Let's discuss in the comments!
