A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

Sean Kuraly, Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko also scored. James van Riemsdyk contributed two assists, and Elvis Merzlikins made 29 saves for Columbus. Mateychuk’s goal was the first of his NHL ...

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Denton Mateychuk and Luca Del Bel ... as the Blue Jackets won their third straight. Sean Kuraly, Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko also scored. James van Riemsdyk contributed ...

Blue Jackets' GM Don Waddell revealed on a podcast that his top center had a 'bone scan' done to determine severity of 'swollen' wrist.

After becoming Johnny Gaudreau’s close friend with the Calgary Flames, he eagerly anticipated a reunion with him in Columbus ... be centered by veteran Sean Kuraly and rookie Luca Del Bel ...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Denton Mateychuk and Luca Del Bel Belluz ... as the Blue Jackets won their third straight. Sean Kuraly, Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko also scored. James van Riemsdyk contributed two assists, and Elvis Merzlikins made 29 saves ...

Zach Werenski’s assist on Fantilli’s goal extended his home point streak to 18 games, tying Brian Leetch for the sixth-longest streak by a defenseman. The NHL record is held by Bobby Orr, who recorded points in 25 consecutive home games during the 1974-75 season.

Records assist Thursday

With the puck inside the Columbus zone, a shot attempt by Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta was blocked by Zach Werenski, who raced up the ice with the puck, carried it into the Sharks’ zone, and sent it over to Fantilli, who beat Georgiev for his 11th goal of the season at the 12:11 mark.

The latest victory, Tuesday night’s 3-2 shootout triumph over Philadelphia, was a bit of a slog the entire way – a “grinding, in the mud” game, as head coach Dean Evason said – but the Blue Jackets stuck with it and got the two points.

The Blue Jackets are currently in a playoff spot. If they remain there, how will Waddell handle one of the biggest days on the NHL calendar?