Adam Fantilli scored on a power play 59 seconds into overtime Saturday night, lifting the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena and snapping a long drought with the man advantage.
The goal, scored from the right circle, was Columbus’ first power-play goal since the season opener, ending an 0-for-22 stretch. It came on a 4-on-3 advantage in the extra period and sent the Golden Knights to their third straight loss.
Denton Mateychuk put Columbus ahead with 8:09 left in the first period on a backhander. Tomas Hertl pulled Vegas even with 2:47 left in the period, and neither team scored again through the second and third periods.
Cam Talbot stopped 26 shots for Columbus, including 13 in the third period. Carter Hart made 18 saves for Vegas. Columbus improved to 3-0 this season in games that have gone beyond regulation, despite having lost two straight and four of five entering the night.
Head coach Rick Bowness said it was good to see the power play finally convert after a first opportunity that looked sharp and a second that did not. Fantilli said the fans deserved a game like that and that he was glad the team could deliver a win to close the homestand.
The win gives Columbus a lift before the schedule turns back to the road. The Blue Jackets visit Philadelphia on Tuesday night, while Vegas returns home to host Ottawa the same night.
Photo: Eric, CC BY-SA 2.0