Johnson Lifts Blue Jackets Past Penguins in Columbus Shootout

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday night after Kent Johnson scored the only goal in a shootout. The Blue Jackets secured the win with Cam Talbot stopping all three Pittsburgh attempts in the tiebreaker.

According to the game report from Sportsnet, Johnson beat goaltender Sergei Murashov with a snap shot to start the shootout. Murashov made 43 saves during regulation, but the Penguins fell for the third straight game after opening the season with two victories.

Columbus received scoring contributions from Damon Severson and Mathieu Olivier in regulation. Sportsnet reported Severson finished with a goal and an assist, while Cole Sillinger recorded two assists.

The Blue Jackets built a 2-0 lead before Pittsburgh responded. Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust scored for the Penguins, with Malkin tying the game at 2-2 at 3:19 of the third period, according to Sportsnet.

Columbus controlled several key statistical areas in the game. Sportsnet reported the Blue Jackets outshot Pittsburgh 45-22, won 66.7% of faceoffs, and delivered 21 hits compared with nine by the Penguins.

The Penguins also had a strong defensive effort in one area, blocking 20 shots during the contest, according to Sportsnet. The result left Pittsburgh searching for a way to end its three-game losing streak.

The win gave the Blue Jackets a positive result before their next game against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. The Penguins were scheduled to host the Dallas Stars on Saturday, according to Sportsnet.