Werenski's Shootout Goal Lifts Blue Jackets Over Red Wings

Defenseman overcomes skate issue to score winner in hometown Detroit

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:06am

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In a thrilling game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings, defenseman Zach Werenski scored the decisive shootout goal to give his team a much-needed 4-3 victory. Despite having issues with his skate, which was held together by tape after a late-game incident, Werenski was able to beat Red Wings goalie John Gibson with a hard wrist shot to seal the win for the Blue Jackets.

Why it matters

The win was crucial for the Blue Jackets, who are fighting to stay in the playoff race in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. Werenski's heroics in his hometown of Detroit added extra significance to the victory, as he was able to celebrate with his family after the game.

The details

Werenski's skate issue occurred late in overtime when his laces were cut, forcing the Blue Jackets' equipment staff to tape up his left skate. Despite the handicap, Werenski was selected for the shootout and scored the decisive goal, cutting to his left and firing a hard wrist shot past Gibson. In addition to the shootout winner, Werenski also scored a power-play goal in the second period and assisted on a late goal by Adam Fantilli to force overtime.

  • The incident with Werenski's skate occurred late in overtime.
  • Werenski scored the tying goal on the power play in the second period.
  • Werenski assisted on Fantilli's goal with 16.2 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
  • Werenski scored the shootout winner in the fifth round to give the Blue Jackets the victory.

The players

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is a native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. Werenski had a standout performance, scoring a goal, recording an assist, and netting the shootout winner despite issues with his skate.

John Gibson

The goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings who faced Werenski in the shootout.

Adam Fantilli

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the late goal in regulation to force overtime.

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What they’re saying

“My laces were all messed up, and I couldn't really skate. So, when they called me, I was like, 'Are you sure? I'm kind of on one leg here.' My foot was in the skate, but pretty wobbly.”

— Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets Defenseman

“He was trying to yell at me in overtime, and I had no clue what he was saying. Then, after it was over, he calls me over and shows me his skate, and it was just all clear taped up, and I was just laughing. I had no clue what he was trying to say mid-game because I was so gassed, but that's pretty funny.”

— Adam Fantilli, Blue Jackets Forward

“It probably made me feel more calm, to be honest, because I was like, 'You know what? Nothing to lose, really … just go down there and fire it.' I was kind of thinking (about) what I was going to do when I went out there, and then I was like, 'What am I thinking? Just shoot it. I can't really do anything else.' So, I just stuck with it and I'm glad it found its way in.”

— Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets Defenseman

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on this important win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 10.

The takeaway

Werenski's heroics, including his shootout winner despite a skate issue, showcased his resilience and leadership for the Blue Jackets. The victory was a much-needed boost for the team as they fight to secure a postseason berth, and Werenski's homecoming added extra meaning to the triumph.