The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 in an outdoor game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night, with Justin Danforth scoring the game-winner on his own rebound with 2:17 remaining.
Dmitri Voronkov and Mathieu Olivier scored 32 seconds apart late in the second period to give Columbus a 3-1 lead. Detroit fought back as Patrick Kane scored early in the third period and Alex DeBrincat tied the game with 3:24 left. Danforth then put Columbus ahead before Adam Fantilli sealed the win with an empty-net goal with 1:08 remaining.
The game drew 94,751 fans, making it the second-largest attendance in NHL history behind only the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.
Detroit outshot Columbus 46-21, including a 21-8 advantage in the third period.
Elvis Merzlikins stopped 43 shots for the Blue Jackets, while Cam Talbot allowed four goals on 20 shots for the Red Wings.
Both teams honored the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the game. Columbus players entered wearing matching sweatshirts from Avalon Surf Shop in New Jersey, which captain Boone Jenner called a “signature Johnny fit.”
The Red Wings wore No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau jerseys from throughout his career, including from Team USA and Boston College.
The Gaudreau family led the Blue Jackets’ procession into the stadium.
“This city, this night, was special, and I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau had something to smile about tonight,” Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin said postgame, per the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James. “I want both of our teams in the playoffs.”
Jenner spoke about feeling Johnny’s presence during the game.
“He was here with us tonight and he’s been here with us all season,” the Columbus forward said, according to team reporter Jeff Svoboda. “We’ve played for him, and tonight obviously he was here. We wanted to honor him the best way that we could, and not only doing that but playing as he would play.”
The Columbus captain admitted the experience exceeded his expectations.
“I knew it was going to be special, but I was still blown away,” he said, per The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline.
The game had playoff implications for both teams, who entered holding Eastern Conference wild-card positions. Columbus remains in the first wild-card spot with a two-point lead over Detroit. Both teams have played 60 games.
