Blue Jackets Welcome Kraken After Epic Road Win: Can Columbus Keep Rolling?

The Columbus Blue Jackets are heading into the second half of their season with serious momentum. Sitting in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, they’re fighting to make the playoffs for the first time in five years. After a gutsy comeback win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Blue Jackets are ready to protect their home ice against a struggling Seattle Kraken team.

Here’s everything you need to know about this big game.

Columbus Is Finding Its Groove

The Blue Jackets are on fire right now. They’ve won two straight and six of their last nine games, including a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over Pittsburgh on Tuesday. That win snapped a brutal 15-game losing streak in Pittsburgh that had haunted Columbus since 2015.

In the third period, things looked bleak. Down 3-1, Dmitri Voronkov and rookie standout Adam Fantilli came through with clutch goals to force overtime. In the shootout, Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson nailed their chances, while the Penguins’ big names (including Sidney Crosby) couldn’t deliver.

Head coach Dean Evason didn’t hold back after the win:
“We’re a different hockey club now. What happened in the past doesn’t matter. This is who we are today.”

Their home record proves it. The Jackets have been lights-out at Nationwide Arena, going 13-5-3 and scoring a league-leading 86 goals on home ice. Seattle better be ready.

Seattle’s Struggles Are Real

The Kraken are in a tough spot. They haven’t won a game in 2025 (0-2-1) and are sitting seventh in the Pacific Division. Coming off a 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, they’re starting a five-game road trip that could make or break their season.

Seattle head coach Dan Bylsma knows the pressure is on:
“We know where we’re at in the standings. This road trip is a big deal—we’ve got to make the most of it.”

There’s some good news for the Kraken, though. Starting goalie Joey Daccord is back after missing five games with an upper-body injury. Daccord’s numbers this season are solid—a 2.51 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. He’s ready to jump back into action:
“I’ve been skating the whole time, so I don’t feel like I’ve missed a step. I feel good and ready to go.”

If Seattle wants to turn things around, it starts with Daccord holding down the fort in net.

Key Matchup: Columbus Offense vs. Daccord’s Return

The Blue Jackets have been unstoppable at home, leading the NHL in goals scored at their arena. They’ll look to keep that firepower going against Daccord, who could be Seattle’s best chance to stop the bleeding.

On the other hand, the Kraken need more from their offense. Shane Wright and Adam Larsson chipped in goals against New Jersey, but the rest of the team has to step up if they’re going to outscore a red-hot Columbus squad.

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Players to Watch

Columbus Blue Jackets:

• Adam Fantilli: The rookie is showing why he’s one of the league’s rising stars. His late-game heroics in Pittsburgh were clutch.
• Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson: These two came through in the shootout and continue to deliver when it matters most.

Seattle Kraken:

• Joey Daccord: All eyes will be on the goalie in his first game back from injury. If he’s sharp, Seattle has a shot.
• Shane Wright: The young forward has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough stretch for the Kraken.

What’s at Stake?

For the Blue Jackets, a win here would strengthen their playoff position and extend their strong home record. For the Kraken, this game kicks off a road trip that could define their season.

Both teams have a lot to prove, and this matchup promises plenty of action. With Columbus firing on all cylinders and Seattle desperate to bounce back, you won’t want to miss it.