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Marchenko's Late Goal Lifts Blue Jackets Over Devils

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 17:35 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

COLUMBUS, OH - February 3rd, 2026 - Kirill Marchenko's late wrist shot propelled the Columbus Blue Jackets to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils last night at Nationwide Arena, further solidifying their position in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference playoff picture. The goal, scored with just 1:22 remaining in regulation, capped off a back-and-forth affair and marked the Blue Jackets' fourth win in their last six games.

Marchenko's game-winner, assisted by a timely pass from Boone Jenner, showcased the burgeoning chemistry between the two forwards. "It was a good play by Boone, he saw me, I had some space, I just tried to get it off quick," Marchenko explained post-game. The goal wasn't simply about a quick release, however; it was the culmination of a strategic offensive push by the Blue Jackets in the final minutes, highlighting their improved composure under pressure.

The win moves the Blue Jackets to a 29-21-7 record, placing them firmly within striking distance of a coveted playoff berth. While the Eastern Conference remains a tightly contested battleground, Columbus appears to be hitting its stride at the most crucial point of the season. Coach Pascal Vincent emphasized the team's awareness of the stakes. "We know every game matters," he stated. "We've been talking about it. The boys understand the situation. The games are getting tighter. We're getting more comfortable in those moments."

The game itself was a microcosm of the Blue Jackets' recent successes: resilient defense, opportunistic scoring, and clutch performances from key players. Justin Bieber (not the pop star, but the Blue Jackets' rising offensive talent) opened the scoring with a power-play goal in the first period, bringing his season total to 15. This continued a trend of improving special teams play for Columbus, a critical factor in their recent run.

However, the Devils, despite their recent struggles, proved to be a formidable opponent. Jack Hughes responded for New Jersey in the second period, tying the game and silencing the Nationwide Arena crowd momentarily. The third period saw a flurry of activity, with Adam Fantilli restoring Columbus's lead only for Tyler Toffoli to quickly equalize for the Devils. This exchange demonstrated the Devils' own offensive capabilities, even amidst their losing streak.

The Devils (24-25-6) are now on a three-game losing skid and face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. While possessing undeniable talent, including the dynamic Hughes, their inconsistency has plagued them throughout the season. The loss to Columbus further complicates their playoff aspirations.

The goaltending matchup proved pivotal. Daniil Bobrovsky was stellar for the Blue Jackets, stopping 32 of 34 shots, a performance that earned him the first-star honors. His veteran presence and steady performance have been instrumental in stabilizing the Blue Jackets' defense. Vitek Vanecek, on the other hand, made 28 saves for the Devils, but ultimately couldn't prevent Marchenko's decisive goal.

Looking Ahead:

The Blue Jackets face a challenging road test on Thursday as they travel to Washington to take on the Capitals. The Capitals, also vying for a playoff spot, will undoubtedly present a tough challenge. Columbus will need to maintain their current level of play and capitalize on scoring opportunities to secure another vital victory. The Devils, meanwhile, will attempt to break their losing streak when they host the New York Rangers on Wednesday - a daunting task against a perennial contender.

This win for the Blue Jackets isn't just about two points in the standings; it's about building momentum, fostering confidence, and demonstrating the team's commitment to reaching the playoffs. While the road ahead will be difficult, the Blue Jackets appear to be embracing the pressure and positioning themselves as a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. The question now is whether they can sustain this level of play throughout the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs.