Blue Jackets Edge Red Wings in Shootout Thriller

Zach Werenski's heroics lift Columbus to critical win in Eastern Conference playoff race

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white colors representing the competing teams and the dynamic action on the ice.The Blue Jackets' thrilling shootout victory over the Red Wings showcases the intensity of the Eastern Conference playoff race.Columbus Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets snapped a six-game losing streak with a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. Zach Werenski scored the game-tying goal in regulation and then netted the decisive shootout goal to lift the Blue Jackets, who are fighting for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot.

Why it matters

This was a critical win for the Blue Jackets as they battle to secure a playoff berth in the tight Eastern Conference race. The Red Wings are also in the mix for the final wild card spot, making this a key head-to-head matchup with major postseason implications.

The details

Columbus jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on Danton Heinen's goal, but Detroit responded with power play tallies from Dylan Larkin and Justin Faulk to take a 2-1 advantage. Werenski tied the game in the second period with a power play goal of his own, but Faulk put the Red Wings back on top late in the third. With just 17 seconds left, Adam Fantilli scored the game-tying goal to force overtime. After a scoreless extra session, Werenski scored the decisive goal in the shootout to give Columbus the critical victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Heinen scored just 2:06 into the first period to give Columbus the early lead.
  • Larkin tied the game with a power play goal in the first period.
  • Faulk scored twice, in the second and third periods, to give Detroit the lead.
  • Fantilli scored the game-tying goal with just 17 seconds left in regulation.

The players

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the game-tying goal in regulation and the decisive shootout goal to lead his team to victory.

Dylan Larkin

The captain of the Detroit Red Wings, who scored a power play goal to tie the game in the first period.

Justin Faulk

A defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings who scored two goals to give his team the lead in the second and third periods.

Adam Fantilli

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the game-tying goal with just 17 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Jet Greaves

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 34 saves and recorded an assist in the win.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us in the playoff race. Zach stepped up big time, and the whole team battled hard to get this critical two points.”

— Brad Larsen, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

“We let that one slip away. We had the lead late but couldn't close it out. We'll need to regroup and get ready for the next one.”

— Derek Lalonde, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Red Wings will aim to bounce back in their next game as the Eastern Conference wild card race remains tight.

The takeaway

This thrilling back-and-forth battle between two teams fighting for their postseason lives showcased the intensity and importance of the late-season games in the NHL's Eastern Conference playoff race. The Blue Jackets' ability to rally late and secure the win in a shootout could prove crucial as they look to clinch a playoff berth.