Bones About It: Experience the resurgence of the Columbus Blue Jackets! With Elvis Merzlikins securing a shutout and Rick Bowness making history, the Jackets are the NHL’s hottest team. See the highlights here.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are officially the hottest team in hockey. In a dominant performance at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night, the team secured a 3-0 victory, marking a season-high winning streak. The star of the show was undoubtedly the goaltender, as Merzlikins makes 24 saves to earn his first shutout of the season and silence the New Jersey crowd.
Key Game Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Columbus Blue Jackets 3, New Jersey Devils 0 |
| Star Performer | Elvis Merzlikins (24 Saves, Shutout) |
| Offensive Leader | Mathieu Olivier (2 Goals) |
| Coaching Record | Rick Bowness (9-1-0 since taking over) |
| Milestone | Merzlikins ties Marc Denis for 3rd most CBJ shutouts |
The Bowness Effect in Full Swing
Since Bones About It Rick Bowness stepped behind the bench on January 12, the transformation in Columbus has been nothing short of miraculous. The Blue Jackets have gone 9-1-0 under his leadership, climbing out of the Metropolitan Division cellar and into the heart of the playoff race.
Bowness’s defensive structure was on full display Tuesday. The team didn’t just sit back; they “hunted” the Devils. By maintaining a relentless forecheck and clearing the front of the net, they ensured that Merzlikins makes 24 saves in a game where he saw the puck clearly from start to finish. Bowness now shares the NHL record for the most wins by a coach through his first 10 games with a new franchise.
Mathieu Olivier and the Third Period Surge
For the first 40 minutes, the game was a tactical stalemate. Both Jacob Markstrom and Elvis Merzlikins were perfect, keeping the score 0-0 heading into the final frame. However, the Blue Jackets have developed a reputation for being a “third-period team” under Bowness.
Dante Fabbro, returning from a six-game injury absence, broke the deadlock early in the third with a seeing-eye shot through a screen. Then, the Mathieu Olivier show began. Olivier notched a highlight-reel breakaway goal to make it 2-0 and was later credited with a second goal after being slashed on an empty-net attempt. While the scorers got the goals, the defensive foundation ensured that Merzlikins makes 24 saves to keep the sheet clean.
Elvis Merzlikins Returns to Elite Form
It has been a roller-coaster season for the Latvian netminder, but Tuesday felt like a turning point. Earning his 12th career shutout, Merzlikins looked poised and confident. He made critical saves during New Jersey’s desperate power plays, ensuring that the Devils’ frustration only grew as the clock ticked down.
“We are putting the pressure a lot more on the opponents,” Merzlikins said after the game. It’s a sentiment reflected in the box score; when the team plays this well in front of him, and Merzlikins makes 24 saves with such ease, the Blue Jackets look like a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.
Werenski and the Blue Line Dominance
You can’t talk about the Blue Jackets’ success without mentioning Zach Werenski. The star defenseman extended his assist streak to five games on Tuesday, continuing his season-long dominance. Werenski currently leads all NHL defensemen with 61 points, acting as the “quarterback” that the Devils so desperately missed with Jack Hughes sidelined.
With the defense chipping in offensively and providing a wall in front of the net, it’s no wonder Merzlikins makes 24 saves to secure the win. The balance of this roster is finally coming together at the most critical point of the season.
Conclusion
The Blue Jackets head home for one final game before the Olympic break, and they do so with more confidence than they’ve had in years. As Merzlikins makes 24 saves to shut out the Devils, the message to the rest of the league is clear: Columbus isn’t just a “coaching bump” story; they are a playoff contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many saves did Elvis Merzlikins have against the Devils?
In a flawless performance, Merzlikins makes 24 saves to earn his first shutout of the 2025-26 season.
2. What is the Blue Jackets’ record under Rick Bowness?
Since Bowness took over on January 12, the team has been sensational, posting a 9-1-0 record.
3. Who scored the goals for Columbus in the win?
Mathieu Olivier scored twice (one a breakaway and one an awarded empty-netter), while defenseman Dante Fabbro scored the game-opener.
4. Where does Merzlikins rank in Blue Jackets history for shutouts?
With his 12th career shutout on Tuesday, he is now tied with Marc Denis for the third-most shutouts in franchise history.
5. Is Zach Werenski leading NHL defensemen in points?
Yes, after another assist on Tuesday, Werenski leads all blueliners with 61 total points this season.
