Blue Jackets Edge Flyers with Late Goal

Sean Monahan scores game-winner as Columbus celebrates Charlie Coyle's 1,000th NHL game

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:31am

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Sean Monahan scored the go-ahead goal with 3:28 remaining in the third period to lift the host Columbus Blue Jackets to a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday. Travis Konecny recorded a hat trick for the Flyers, but Monahan's late tally gave the Blue Jackets their seventh win in the last eight games.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets continue to surge in the standings, while the struggling Flyers have now lost nine of their last 11 games. The game also featured a special milestone for Columbus veteran Charlie Coyle, who was honored for playing in his 1,000th NHL game.

The details

Coyle opened the scoring just 38 seconds into the game, and Kirill Marchenko, Erik Gudbranson, and Mathieu Olivier also scored for the Blue Jackets. Konecny's three goals kept the Flyers in the game, but Monahan's late heroics sealed the win for Columbus. Zach Werenski and Cole Sillinger each had two assists for the Blue Jackets, while goalie Elvis Merzlikins made 24 saves.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • Coyle scored the opening goal just 38 seconds into the first period.
  • Konecny scored his first two goals in the first and third periods.
  • Monahan netted the game-winning goal with 3:28 remaining in the third period.
  • Konecny completed his hat trick with 4:46 left in the third period.

The players

Sean Monahan

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the game-winning goal late in the third period.

Travis Konecny

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who recorded a hat trick in the losing effort.

Charlie Coyle

A veteran forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who was honored for playing in his 1,000th NHL game.

Elvis Merzlikins

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 24 saves to earn the victory.

Dan Vladar

The goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers who made 26 saves in his return from a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this momentum and keep pushing forward as a team.”

— Sean Monahan (Columbus Dispatch)

“It's tough to lose games like this, but we'll regroup and come back stronger.”

— Travis Konecny (Philadelphia Inquirer)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to continue their hot streak on Friday when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning. The struggling Flyers will try to get back on track on Saturday against the New York Rangers.

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience of the surging Blue Jackets, who were able to overcome a hat trick from the Flyers' Travis Konecny to secure the late victory. The milestone for veteran Charlie Coyle added to the significance of the win for Columbus.