Fabbro's Return Sparks Jackets to Sixth Straight Win, Shuts Out Devils 3-0
At this point, it’s starting to feel like the Columbus Blue Jackets are writing a new chapter in their season every night-and Tuesday’s win in New Jersey was no exception. In a gritty, grind-it-out kind of game, it was Dante Fabbro, fresh off a six-game absence, who finally cracked the code. His third-period goal broke a scoreless tie and set the tone for a 3-0 win over the Devils at Prudential Center.
That’s now six straight victories for Columbus, and nine wins in their last ten. Under Rick Bowness, this team is finding ways to win, even when the goals don’t come easy.
Fabbro Delivers in His Return
You couldn’t script it much better for Fabbro. After missing time with a lower-body injury, he returned to the lineup and delivered the game-winner just over five minutes into the third period.
It was his fourth goal of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With both teams locked in a defensive battle through two periods, Fabbro’s unassisted tally gave Columbus the jolt it needed.
From there, the Jackets didn’t look back.
Olivier’s Hot Streak Continues
Mathieu Olivier has found his scoring touch-and he’s riding it for all it’s worth. He added two goals in the third, bringing his total to four in the last four games.
His first came at 12:05 of the final frame, giving the Jackets a two-goal cushion. Cole Sillinger and Boone Jenner each picked up their 19th assists of the season on the play.
Then, with the Devils pulling their goalie in a last-ditch effort to claw back, Olivier was slashed by Dougie Hamilton as he closed in on the empty net. The officials didn’t hesitate-automatic goal. That gave Olivier his eighth of the year and sealed the deal for Columbus.
Merzlikins Shuts the Door
While the offense took time to get going, Elvis Merzlikins was rock solid from the jump. He turned aside all 24 shots he faced, earning his first shutout of the season and the 12th of his career.
It was also his first clean sheet since October 2024. The Devils had their chances, especially in the second period when they generated seven high-danger opportunities, but Merzlikins was locked in.
Columbus’ penalty kill did its job too, going a perfect 3-for-3 on the night.
First Period Drama, But No Score
The Jackets thought they had the early lead when Danton Heinen buried what would’ve been his 99th career goal. But after a successful coach’s challenge by New Jersey’s Sheldon Keefe, the goal was wiped off the board for goaltender interference. The officials ruled that Miles Wood entered the crease on his own and disrupted Jacob Markstrom’s ability to make a play.
That was as close as either team came to scoring through the first 40 minutes. The Devils held an 18-11 edge in shots through two periods and controlled the high-danger chances 7-2. But the scoreboard stayed frozen until Fabbro’s breakthrough.
Wood vs. His Former Team
Miles Wood’s season-long saga against his old team continued. From taking a stick to the face in October to scoring in December to missing time with another injury on New Year’s Eve, the former Devil has had a rollercoaster ride in these matchups. On Tuesday, he found himself in the middle of the action again-this time with a pair of crease-related plays that had direct impacts on the game, including the disallowed goal in the first.
By the Numbers
- Shots on Goal: Columbus 25, New Jersey 24
- Faceoffs: CBJ 53.8%, NJD 46.2%
- Power Play: CBJ 0-for-2, NJD 0-for-3
- Hits: CBJ 19, NJD 18
- Blocked Shots: CBJ 13, NJD 12
- High-Danger Chances: NJD 11, CBJ 8
The Jackets and Devils split their four-game season series, with both teams winning twice on the road. Columbus struggled with the man advantage throughout the series, finishing just 1-for-12, while New Jersey converted five times in 11 attempts.
But Tuesday night belonged to Columbus. With the Flyers beating the Capitals, the Blue Jackets climbed back into fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. And with 14 road wins this season, they’ve already matched their total from all of last year.
What’s Next
Columbus heads back to Nationwide Arena for one more game before the Olympic break. They’ll host the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. If this team keeps playing the way it has, don’t be surprised if they roll into the break riding a seven-game win streak-and with plenty of momentum to spare.