Stars fall 2-1 in shootout as Blue Jackets edge past Dallas in Nationwide Arena clash

Stars Fall Short in Shootout Thriller

The Dallas Stars returned from Nationwide Arena with a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a result that extended their season record to 9-5-2. The contest, played on Thursday, November 5, 2026, before a crowd of 15,020, featured a tense third period and a decisive shootout that ultimately favored the home side.

Columbus improved its record to 7-7-0, gaining valuable points in a tightly contested affair that saw both teams trade blows before the deciding strokes.

Rantanen Opens Scoring, Werenski Ties Game

Both teams were locked in a 0-0 stalemate through the first two periods, with neither side able to find the back of the net. The deadlock was finally broken in the third period when Mikko Rantanen of the Stars struck first. Rantanen, credited with his ninth goal of the season, utilized a wrist shot to put Dallas ahead 1-0.

The assist was recorded by Wyatt Johnston, marking his 11th of the campaign.

Columbus responded swiftly to level the score. Zach Werenski, achieving his first goal of the season, connected on a backhand shot to tie the game 1-1. Werenski’s tally was supported by assists from Kent Johnson and Matthew Knies. The third period ended with the score tied, forcing the game into a shootout to determine the winner.

Shootout Decides Winner

The shootout proved to be the deciding factor in this matchup. Valeri Nichushkin of the Blue Jackets scored first in the extra session, giving Columbus the lead. However, the Stars failed to convert their subsequent attempts, leaving the game in Columbus’s favor.

Kent Johnson then added a crucial wrist shot goal in the shootout, securing the 2-1 final victory for the Blue Jackets. Johnson’s performance was highlighted by his assist on Werenski’s tying goal and his decisive strike in the shootout.

Stat Standouts and Final Records

For the Stars, Mikko Rantanen was the standout performer, contributing one goal and one point. Wyatt Johnston provided the key assist for the team's only goal. On the other side, Zach Werenski recorded one goal and one point, while Kent Johnson added one assist and one point from the shootout.

The final score of 2-1 reflects the period-by-period breakdown: Dallas 0-0-1, Columbus 0-0-1, with the shootout goals extending the final total. The game concluded with Columbus holding the 2-1 advantage, a result that shifts the momentum in their favor ahead of their next matchup.

Sources

ESPN