Blue Jackets beat Kraken 5-2 at Nationwide Arena as Sillinger and Werenski drive key sequences

Columbus takes control early and closes out a five-goal performance

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Seattle Kraken 5-2 on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Nationwide Arena, using a fast start and decisive special-teams moments to build a multi-goal cushion and protect it through the final period.

Columbus led 3-1 after the first period, added a fourth goal in the second, and finished with an empty-netter late in regulation. Seattle narrowed the margin briefly with a power-play goal in the second period but could not generate enough sustained pressure to reverse the game’s direction.

Scoring timeline: first-period surge sets the tone

The Blue Jackets’ early advantage was rooted in a high-tempo opening frame that produced three goals and forced Seattle to chase the game. Columbus ultimately outshot Seattle 28-17 and won 57.1% of faceoffs, two indicators that supported longer offensive-zone sequences and more controlled exits.

• Columbus scored three times in the first period to take a 3-1 lead.
• Seattle’s response came in the second period on the power play, but Columbus answered quickly to restore a two-goal cushion.
• Columbus added an empty-net goal in the third period to complete the 5-2 final.

Key contributors: Sillinger’s three-point night, Werenski’s three assists

Cole Sillinger was credited with a goal and two assists, factoring into multiple scoring plays and finishing the night as one of the game’s central drivers. Zach Werenski recorded three assists, providing primary puck movement from the back end and helping Columbus convert possession into finishing chances.

Kent Johnson scored and was assisted by Conor Garland and Adam Fantilli at 9:33 of the second period, a sequence that expanded Columbus’ lead to 4-2 at a point when Seattle had just pulled within one goal.

With Columbus holding a lead after 40 minutes and controlling draws, Seattle’s path back required extended zone time and additional power-play opportunities that did not materialize.

Special teams and goaltending: Kraken capitalize once, Blue Jackets limit volume

Seattle’s Kaapo Kakko scored a power-play goal at 8:31 of the second period, assisted by Eeli Tolvanen and Brandon Montour, trimming the deficit to 3-2. That goal proved to be Seattle’s final scoring play.

In net, Elvis Merzlikins stopped 15 of 17 shots for Columbus. Joey Daccord stopped 23 of 27 shots for Seattle, with the fifth goal scored into an empty net.

What the result means in the season series

The win gave Columbus a second victory over Seattle in the 2025-26 season series after previously winning 2-1 in a shootout on November 11, 2025. Saturday’s regulation win also reinforced Columbus’ ability to convert early pressure into a scoreboard advantage, a template that reduces reliance on late-game defending.

For Seattle, the game highlighted the challenge of recovering when trailing by multiple goals early, particularly against a home team that combined faceoff success with a shot advantage and timely finishing.