Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets collect critical win against Red Wings
Apr 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Danton Heinen (43) tries to score on Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson (36) defended by defenseman Justin Faulk (72) in the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist in regulation, then scored the decisive goal in the shootout as the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets snapped a six-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.
Adam Fantilli scored with 17 seconds left to force overtime, and Columbus won the shootout 3-2 in a game between teams fighting for the last wild card in the Eastern Conference. Danton Heinen also scored while goalie Jet Greaves made 34 saves and also had an assist for Columbus (39-27-12, 90 points).
Justin Faulk scored two goals and Dylan Larkin added the other for Detroit (40-29-9, 89 points). John Gibson made 32 saves.
Heinen gave Columbus the lead just 2:06 into the contest. Detroit turned the puck over behind its own net and Mason Marchment pounced on it and slid it to Heinen, who scored from the slot.
Detroit took advantage of a Conor Garland interference penalty to tie it. Larkin scored his 31st goal on the power play. He tried to pass the puck near the crease to Alex DeBrincat but it was blocked. The puck came right back to him and Larkin beat Graves.
Faulk gave Detroit a 2-1 lead at 6:27 of the second period. Faulk collected a pass from Larkin at center ice and skated into the Blue Jackets zone. He split two defenders and beat Graeves on the glove side. Ben Chiarot had the second assist.
Werenski scored a power play goal at 10:59 of the period to tie it. He ripped a shot from the point off a feed from Denton Mateychuk. Greaves was credited with the second assist.
Faulk scored his second goal with 4:46 remaining. Andrew Copp won a draw in Columbus' zone and DeBrincat passed the puck to Faulk, who beat Greaves on the stick side.
Fantilli tied it with a slapshot from the right circle that beat Gibson on the short side. Werenski and Kirill Marchenko had the assists.
--Field Level Media
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