Blue Jackets rally with two third-period goals to beat Predators 3-2 in Columbus on Tuesday

Third-period swing turns a tight game

The Columbus Blue Jackets erased a one-goal deficit with two goals in the opening minutes of the third period to defeat the Nashville Predators 3-2 Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena. The result extended a difficult stretch for Nashville, which left Ohio having dropped three consecutive games and five of its past six.

Columbus opened the scoring late in the first period when Adam Fantilli finished a cross-ice setup for a one-timer. Nashville responded before intermission on the power play, with Filip Forsberg converting to tie the game 1-1.

Nashville briefly leads, then faces a short-handed equalizer

The Predators moved in front in the second period on a sequence that ultimately resulted in Ryan O’Reilly being credited with the goal after the puck went into the net during a Columbus defensive scramble. Nashville carried that 2-1 advantage into the third period, but the lead did not hold.

Just 1:52 into the final period, Sean Monahan scored short-handed from the high slot to level the game. The goal continued a notable trend for Monahan, who recorded short-handed goals in back-to-back games.

Decisive goal comes from traffic in front

Columbus took the lead at 6:07 of the third when a point shot redirected in front and went in, with Charlie Coyle credited on the play. The goal stood as the game-winner as the Blue Jackets protected the advantage the rest of the way.

Nashville goaltender Justus Annunen finished with 24 saves. For Columbus, Jet Greaves made 20 saves, with Elvis Merzlikins briefly entering after Greaves was evaluated under concussion protocol following a first-period collision. Greaves later returned to complete the game.

Trades reshape Nashville’s night

The matchup unfolded amid roster movement for Nashville. The Predators traded forward Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild for a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, and he did not dress. During the game, Nashville forward Cole Smith took one short shift early and was later traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for defenseman Christoffer Sedoff and a third-round pick in the 2028 draft.

Key takeaways and what’s next

• Forsberg reached the 50-point mark this season, adding to his long-term production for Nashville.
• Nashville did not have an immediate update after O’Reilly left the game in the third period following contact to the face on a faceoff sequence.
• Columbus played without defenseman Zach Werenski (illness) and center Boone Jenner (day to day).

The Predators return home next to host the Boston Bruins on Thursday, while the Blue Jackets continue their homestand against the Florida Panthers the same night.