On January 18, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout. This win marked the Blue Jackets' fourth consecutive game, and their third under the leadership of new coach Rick Bowness, who is now the third coach in team history to win his first three games. The deciding goal was scored by Charlie Coyle, with Kent Johnson also contributing in the shootout. Kirill Marchenko extended his four-game point streak, while Danton Heinen, a former Penguin, scored his first goal with Columbus since his trade last month. Zach Aston-Reese, another former Penguin, also found the back of the net. Zach Werenski continued his own four-game point streak with an assist, and Elvis Merzlikins made 29 saves for the Blue Jackets, matching their longest winning streak of the season. For the Penguins, Sidney Crosby recorded his 511th multipoint game, tying Gordie Howe for fifth place in NHL history. Connor Clifton and Rickard Rakell also scored for the Penguins, who have lost four of their last five games. Pittsburgh holds a franchise record with a 19-game home-point streak against the Blue Jackets, dating back to Dec. 21, 2015. All four games between Pittsburgh and Columbus this season were decided in overtime or a shootout. The game was intense, with Crosby forcing overtime with one minute left, redirecting Kris Letang's point shot behind Merzlikins to even the score. The Blue Jackets will host Ottawa on Tuesday, while the Penguins will open a four-game Western road trip in Seattle on Monday.
