Rangers edge Blue Jackets in thrilling 4-3 victory ahead of 4-Nations break

The Columbus Blue Jackets needed a win on Saturday night to enter the 4-Nations break in a wildcard playoff spot. However, a poor third period proved too much to overcome.

Will Cuylle scored twice in the third period, leading the Rangers to a crucial 4-3 win over the Blue Jackets in front of a sellout crowd at Nationwide Arena. Mika Zibanejad contributed with a goal and an assist while Vincent Trocheck tallied two assists.

The game was decided by a pivotal play near the end, showcasing how tightly contested the match was.

Looking to shake off a disappointing performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers quickly got on the scoreboard within the first two minutes. Coming off a healthy scratch, Arthur Kaliyev executed a wraparound, making it 1-0 and igniting a much improved start for the Rangers who dominated possession.

Dean Evason saw the shift in momentum and spoke to his team during the first TV timeout. The Blue Jackets responded by taking the lead, starting with Kent Johnson beating Jonathan Quick to tie the game at 1-1, thanks to a pass from Zach Werenski. This also extended Werenski's home-point streak to 21 games, tying him for fourth all-time for points in consecutive home games by a defenceman.

Just 58 seconds later, Justin Danforth gave the Blue Jackets a 2-1 lead, scoring off a deflected shot from Jack Johnson. Momentum appeared to favour the Blue Jackets.

However, seven minutes into the second period during a 4-on-4 situation, Zibanejad scored after receiving a feed from Adam Fox. The teams continued to exchange goals until a well-executed tic-tac-toe play from Cole Sillinger to Damon Severson to James van Riemsdyk resulted in a 3-2 lead for the Blue Jackets heading into the final period.

The Rangers were determined to change the course of the game. On a delayed penalty, Cuylle scored his first goal of the night with a shot from the point that eluded Elvis Merzlikins. The Rangers took control in the third period, outshooting the Blue Jackets 17-4. With two minutes remaining, the score was still tied at 3-3.

The decisive moment arrived when Denton Mateychuk attempted to play the puck to the boards, only for it to be deflected by Trocheck into Cuylle's possession. Cuylle quickly took the shot that clinched the game with just 1:39 on the clock.

In the post-game interviews, the Blue Jackets expressed optimism about their position in the playoff race, despite the frustration of the loss, as they anticipated the return of key players after the two-week break.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves in the win, while Merzlikins stopped 36 shots in the loss.

Both teams will enter the 4-Nations break, with the Blue Jackets returning on February 22 to host the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Rangers facing the Sabres in Buffalo on the same day to kick off the countdown to the NHL Trade Deadline.