Blue Jackets End Slump with Werenski's OT Shootout Winner vs Red Wings

Fantilli's late equalizer forces overtime in thrilling battle for playoff positioning

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:56am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of blue, red, and white, depicting the chaotic final seconds of a hockey game with overlapping shapes and perspectives, conveying the high-stakes drama of the playoff race.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic final moments of the Blue Jackets-Red Wings game, capturing the intensity and energy of the playoff battle.Columbus Today

In a crucial late-season matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings, the Blue Jackets snapped a six-game losing streak with a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory. Defenseman Zach Werenski scored the game-winning goal in the shootout after rookie Adam Fantilli tied the game with just 17 seconds left in regulation, sending the contest to overtime.

Why it matters

This game had major implications for both teams' playoff hopes, with the Blue Jackets and Red Wings battling for position in the tight Eastern Conference standings. The win was a much-needed boost for Columbus, who had been struggling, while the loss extended Detroit's home losing skid to five games.

The details

Werenski opened the scoring with a power-play goal for the Blue Jackets, but the Red Wings responded with a pair of goals from defenseman Justin Faulk to take a late lead. However, Fantilli's clutch game-tying goal in the final seconds forced overtime, where Werenski then sealed the win for Columbus in the shootout. Goaltender Jet Greaves made the decisive save in the shootout to preserve the victory for the Blue Jackets.

  • Werenski scored a power-play goal in the second period to give Columbus the early lead.
  • Faulk scored two goals in the third period to put Detroit ahead late in the game.
  • Fantilli scored the game-tying goal with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.
  • Werenski scored the game-winning goal in the shootout to give Columbus the victory.

The players

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the opening goal and the game-winning shootout goal in this crucial late-season matchup.

Justin Faulk

A defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings who scored two goals to give his team the late lead before the Blue Jackets rallied to force overtime.

Adam Fantilli

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

Jet Greaves

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made the decisive save in the shootout to preserve the victory for his team.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us. We've been struggling, but the guys never gave up and found a way to get it done in the end.”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets

“It's tough to lose a game like that, especially at home. We had it in our grasp, but credit to the Blue Jackets for battling back and finding a way to win.”

— Justin Faulk, Defenseman, 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 try to rebound and end their home losing skid.

The takeaway

This thrilling game showcased the intensity and drama of the NHL playoff race, with both teams fighting for every point. The Blue Jackets' resilience and Fantilli's late heroics proved to be the difference, reminding fans that no lead is safe until the final buzzer sounds.