Blue Jackets Hold Off Flyers 5–3 as Sean Monahan Scores Late After Third-Period Tie

Monahan’s 16:32 goal restores lead after Konecny hat trick wipes out Columbus advantage

The Columbus Blue Jackets overcame a third-period collapse Wednesday night at Nationwide Arena, regrouping to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 5–3 behind a late go-ahead goal from Sean Monahan.

Columbus carried a 3–1 lead into the final period before Philadelphia erased it behind a three-goal performance from Travis Konecny. With the game tied 3–3 late in regulation, Monahan converted a cross-ice feed from defenseman Damon Severson at 16:32 of the third period to put the Blue Jackets back in front. Mathieu Olivier later sealed the result with an empty-net goal at 18:54.

Fast start, then a swing in momentum

Columbus opened the scoring just 38 seconds into the first period when Charlie Coyle finished in close against Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar. Philadelphia answered at 9:03 on Konecny’s first goal of the night, tying the game 1–1.

The Blue Jackets regained control late in the first period when Kirill Marchenko scored during 4-on-4 play at 19:40, and they extended the lead early in the second. At 1:58, defenseman Erik Gudbranson scored from long range, making it 3–1 and giving Columbus a two-goal cushion.

Konecny’s third-period hat trick forces a response

Philadelphia’s push arrived in the third period. Konecny cut the deficit to 3–2 at 4:08 and later tied the game at 15:14 to complete his hat trick, turning what had been a controlled home performance into a tight finish.

Columbus responded quickly after the tying goal. Monahan’s winner came less than 90 seconds later, restoring a lead the Blue Jackets would not relinquish. Olivier’s empty-netter provided separation in the closing minute.

Notable contributors and game context

• Charlie Coyle: one goal, one assist; recognized pregame for reaching 1,000 career NHL games.
• Mathieu Olivier: one goal, one assist, including the late empty-net finish.
• Zach Werenski and Cole Sillinger: two assists each for Columbus.
• Elvis Merzlikins: 24 saves for the Blue Jackets; Dan Vladar made 26 saves in his first start after missing six games with a lower-body injury.

Columbus improved to 25-20-7, extending its surge to seven wins in its last eight games. Philadelphia fell to 24-19-9.

The result reinforced Columbus’ ability to close after adversity: the Blue Jackets built a multi-goal lead, surrendered it in a single period, and still found a decisive goal at even strength late in regulation.