Full Breakdown
Columbus Blue Jackets Extend Winning Streak with Victory Over St. Louis Blues
2/1/2026, 8:56:05 PM
Game Overview
On January 31, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-3, marking their fifth consecutive victory. The game took place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, where the Blues were looking to improve their performance after struggling in recent matches.
Scoring Summary
The Blues initially took the lead with a goal from Jimmy Snuggerud at 7:11 of the first period, assisted by Brayden Schenn. However, the Blue Jackets quickly responded, with Isac Lundestrom scoring just 37 seconds later to tie the game at 1-1. Columbus then took a 2-1 lead when Denton Mateychuk's shot deflected off Blues defenseman Colton Parayko at 12:54.
The second period saw a flurry of goals. Jonatan Berggren equalized for St. Louis with a power-play goal at 3:15, but Kent Johnson restored Columbus's lead with another power-play goal at 8:30. Tyler Tucker tied the game again for the Blues at 6:25, only for Damon Severson to score the decisive goal for Columbus with a power-play shot at 3:59 left in the second period. Mason Marchment sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final moments.
Team Performance
The Blue Jackets have shown significant improvement, winning nine of their last ten games and outscoring opponents 38-27 since January 11. Jet Greaves, the Blue Jackets' goaltender, made 28 saves, enhancing his record against the Blues to 4-0-0. In contrast, the Blues have struggled, losing six of their last seven games, with Jordan Binnington stopping only 18 shots during this match.
Key Players
Kent Johnson was a standout performer for Columbus, contributing a goal and an assist. Other notable scorers included Isac Lundestrom, Denton Mateychuk, Damon Severson, and Mason Marchment. For the Blues, Jonatan Berggren, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Tyler Tucker each scored, while Brayden Schenn provided two assists.
Official Statements & Responses
Blues Head Coach Jim Montgomery expressed the team's desire to improve, noting the importance of every game leading up to the Olympic break. He stated, "We want all three to play, they want to play, so we'll have a definitive answer here shortly," referring to game-time decisions regarding player injuries.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, some analysts pointed to the Blues' offensive efforts as a positive sign, highlighting the contributions from younger players like Berggren and Snuggerud. However, the team's overall defensive lapses were criticized, particularly in allowing quick responses from the Blue Jackets after scoring.
What's Next
Following this game, the Blue Jackets will face the New Jersey Devils, while the Blues are set to play against the Nashville Predators. The Blues hope to regroup during the Olympic break, with Robert Thomas expected to return after a minor procedure.
This match not only showcased the Blue Jackets' resurgence but also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Blues as they navigate a difficult season.
