Set to start Thursday

A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

Zach Werenski’s assist on Fantilli’s goal extended his home point streak to 18 games, tying Brian Leetch for the sixth-longest streak by a defenseman. The NHL record is held by Bobby Orr, who recorded points in 25 consecutive home games during the 1974-75 season.

The Blue Jackets’ first game without Sean Monahan couldn’t have gone much better Thursday night at Nationwide Arena. More:Columbus Blue ... thought did tonight." Elvis Merzlikins (28 saves ...

James van Riemsdyk scored twice, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 victory over the visiting San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. Kent Johnson scored and added an assist, and Adam Fantilli scored the other goal for the Blue Jackets,

Game Preview. Projected Lineup **Lines Subject to Change ***Game Time Decision. Dmitri Voronkov - Adam Fantilli

The Columbus Blue Jackets erased a two-goal third-period deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout

The Pittsburgh Penguins (17-17-7) have been trending sideways since the holiday break ended. They have just one win in five games but have lost only two of those five in regulation. The Penguins remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and are one of four teams with 40 or 41 points.

Merzlikins made 18 saves in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Sharks. The 30-year-old netminder took a shutout into the third period, but Tyler Toffoli was able to bang home the rebound on a Macklin Celebrini shot to spoil it.

January 14 - The Columbus Blue Jackets will look to extend ... second half of back-to-backs this season. Elvis Merzlikins is expected to start in the Jackets' net on Tuesday.

The red-hot Columbus ... the Blue Jackets while Dmitri Voronkov has nine goals and six assists over the last 10 games. Zach Werenski leads the team in assists (35) and points (48). Elvis ...