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    Spencer Lazary
    Spencer Lazary
    Dec 5, 2025, 16:01
    Updated at: Dec 5, 2025, 16:01

    Blue Jackets snatch overtime victory, flipping the script on Detroit. Hear directly from players and coaches on the thrilling comeback win.

    The Columbus Blue Jackets took on the Detroit Red Wings last night in their second meeting in a handful of weeks. 

    Their first meeting saw the Red Wings come out on top in overtime after coming back late in the game. Last night, the script flipped and the Blue Jackets came back and won it in OT. 

    Let's take a look at some of the quotes from the players and coaches from the game.

    Columbus Blue Jackets

    Dean Evason: Head Coach

    • Happy that they got the extra attacker but not thrilled that they got there in the first place
    • Mentioned that he is happy with how the team has done in the shootout
    • Happy to see Kent Johnson score, so was the team
    • Went with a three man defensemen set up largely because of Zach Werenski
    • Feels the team got a boost with the return of Marchenko
    • Feels the team is as tight as he has ever seen, especially the Metro
    • Believes it has something to do with the condensed schedule
    • Feels that this season shows just how great the league is and how great the players are

    Adam Fantilli: 

    • Feels that it is fun hockey when you can keep coming back and eventually get the win
    • Proud of the group for how the bounced back
    • Feels the shootout group is very confident
    • Mentioned that they build confidence off of Johnson and Marchenko
    • Team is pleased to have Marchenko back on the bench
    • Feels good to come back and get the win, but mentioned that it sucks that leads slipped away from them

    Kent Johnson: 

    • Felt good to score in the game
    • Feels that he has a go-to shootout move, has a lot of confidence in his move
    • He tries not to think about his point production but sometimes can't help not to
    • Feels there are stretches so far this season, where he needs to play better
    • Mentioned that scoring a goal, can definitely help get him back on track
    • Praised the goalies for how well they've played in the shootout
    • Felt nice for the team to get one 6-on-5

    Kirill Marchenko:

    • Feels fresh after missing a few games
    • Team's mindset is to think about one game at a time
    • Feels good about win - said "it was a good win"
    • Said that he closed his eyes and did his go-to move in the shootout - doesn't think about it
    • Team is very confident that they will win, if they end up in a shootout
    • Happy that the power play got going and scored twice
    • Feels that can build confidence going forward

    Detroit Red Wings

    Todd McLellan: Head Coach

    • Game reminds him of the last meeting in Detroit
    • Felt the power play was excellent
    • Needs to clean up stuff when down a man
    • Felt the team did a good job at net-play
    • Feels the team can be too predictable
    • Team needs to find ways to be more consistent
    • Felt the team went back to the basics on the PP
    • Happy to get one point, but not thrilled about losing after coming back three times
    • Red Wings made a few too many mistakes that cost them the game

    Patrick Kane:

    • Felt that after the second, they didn't think they'd get a point out of it
    • A bit disappointed that they couldn't get the second point
    • PP was the catalyst for them coming back and getting a point
    • Mentioned that the game comes down to special teams most nights
    • PP kept it simple, which helped them quite a bit
    • Felt the team sat back a bit after they took the lead

    James van Reimsdyk:

    •  Feels the last few seasons of games between these two teams tend to be crazy games
    • Would have loved to get the two points, but happy that they pushed back and got at least one
    • Feels the team can do better in certain areas of the game but feels they battle regardless of the score
    • Feels it is a good way to start the road trip
    • PP kept it simple and it led to goals
    • Team needs to stop being so predictable with the puck, it'll help them not playing defensively so much

    Up Next: The Jackets travel to Florida to take on the defending Stanley Cup Champion Panthers. 

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