Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves to earn the goaltending win in a game that finished with the Blue Jackets holding a commanding 34-19 edge in shots. Tyler Toffoli scored the lone goal for the Sharks at 7:32 of the third, cutting the Jackets’ lead to 3-1 while spoiling Merzlikins’ shutout bid.

A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

Watch the Game Highlights from Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks, 01/16/2025

The Columbus Blue Jackets were about to embark on an extended road trip. They could have easily overlooked the San Jose Sharks. Thanks to a quick start and a good first two periods, the Blue Jackets avoided the trap game.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Tonight, the San Jose Sharks take on one of the surprise teams in the league, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one,

For example, Columbus occupies a playoff position in January for the first time in years, thanks in part to their first five-game winning streak since Jan. 11-22, 2020. But perhaps the most encouraging sign has come in the way the Blue Jackets have won the last three games.