Blue Jackets Stumble in Rick Bowness Era with Listless Sharks Loss

The Columbus Blue Jackets fell 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks at Nationwide Arena. Igor Chernyshov scored the winner with 1:25 remaining.

Late collapse and decisive moments

The Sharks tied the game 57 seconds into the third period. The tying goal came just three seconds after the power play began.

Macklin Celebrini scored the tying goal with a one-timer from the right circle. Chernyshov added his second goal in the final two minutes.

Key players and statistics

Elvis Merzlikins made 33 saves. He stopped every shot in the second period.

Denton Mateychuk and Cole Sillinger scored for Columbus. The Jackets were credited with 17 hits.

Notable plays

• Mathieu Olivier delivered an early heavy hit along the end boards.
• Sean Monahan finished a strong check along the half-wall in the second.
• Erik Gudbranson was on the ice for both third-period goals.

Coaching, style and reactions

Rick Bowness was hired Jan. 12. His arrival preceded a strong run for the club.

On Saturday, Bowness said the team lacked legs and failed to simplify play. He urged cleaner, more direct hockey.

Players acknowledged the opponent played with more urgency. Cole Sillinger noted the Sharks were fighting hard for their playoff spot.

Lineup changes and injuries

Damon Severson is out week to week with an upper-body injury. Jake Christiansen replaced him in the lineup.

Dante Fabbro skated beside Zach Werenski. The pairing lacked its usual cohesion.

Dmitri Voronkov and Kent Johnson returned to the lineup. Johnson had one shot on goal.

Voronkov was hurt blocking a shot and will be evaluated Monday. He is ruled out for Sunday.

Standings impact and schedule

The loss dropped Columbus from third in the Metropolitan Division. They moved into the second wild-card spot.

The shift followed a Blue Jackets loss, an Islanders win, and a Red Wings loss. Columbus plays the Bruins on Sunday.

Context

The Sharks had lost six straight before this game. They remain in the Western Conference playoff race.

Columbus has played five games in eight days. The compressed schedule followed Olympic timing.

The Blue Jackets stumbled late in the Rick Bowness era. A listless effort left questions before Sunday’s game.

Coverage of the club continues at Filmogaz.com.