Blue Jackets' Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson end long droughts, key win over Kraken

The Blue Jackets' surge of offense is coming from all points of the lineup, including all four forward lines.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:48am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets secured a 5-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, extending their point streak to 12 games (8-0-4). The offense came from all four forward lines, with Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson ending their scoring droughts. Defenseman Zach Werenski had three assists, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made 15 saves. The Blue Jackets, now 18-2-4 under coach Rick Bowness, are solidifying their hold on third place in the Metro Division.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' ability to generate offense from all parts of their lineup, including secondary scorers like Sillinger and Johnson, has been a key factor in their recent surge. This balanced attack has helped the team establish themselves as a contender in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

Danton Heinen, Damon Severson, Mathieu Olivier, Johnson and Sillinger scored goals to help the Blue Jackets secure the win. Johnson's goal in the third period pushed the lead to 4-2, and Sillinger's empty-net goal from the neutral zone clinched the victory. Werenski had three assists in the first period, and Merzlikins made 15 saves.

  • The Blue Jackets' point streak is now at 12 games (8-0-4), which is tied for the third longest in franchise history.

The players

Cole Sillinger

A 22-year-old forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored his first goal since January 24th, ending a 17-game drought. He also had two assists for the sixth 3-point game of his career.

Kent Johnson

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored his first goal since January 31st, ending a 12-game drought. He has been a different player since two healthy scratches right after the Olympic break.

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who did not score but had three assists in the first period.

Elvis Merzlikins

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 15 saves in the win.

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has led the team to an 18-2-4 record since taking over in January.

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What they’re saying

“It's crazy. I feel like every line can really play and produce. It's definitely the deepest team, by far, that I've been on in this league.”

— Kent Johnson

“Johnson understands now that playing without the puck is just as important as playing with the puck. And he's had his looks. But even though he wasn't scoring, he was playing pretty reliably defensively. It's great to see him score.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach

“I always have fun when I'm playing hockey. Yeah, man, if you don't have fun when you're playing hockey, what's the point?”

— Cole Sillinger

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will fly to Long Island to play the New York Islanders on Sunday, March 24th in a game that could have major implications in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' balanced offensive attack, with contributions from all four forward lines, has been a key factor in their recent surge. The team's ability to generate offense from secondary scorers like Sillinger and Johnson, while also getting strong defensive play, has them firmly in playoff position in the Metro Division.