Kent Johnson Lifts Blue Jackets over Flyers in 4-3 overtime win

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Kent Johnson Lifts Columbus Blue Jackets Over Philadelphia Flyers in 4-3 Overtime Thriller

Kent Johnson scored his second goal of the game 2:22 into overtime to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, securing a win after coughing up a three-goal lead.

The Blue Jackets built an early cushion by scoring three goals in a blistering 2:46 span during the first period. Johnson set up Adam Fantilli for the game’s opening goal at 10:58, then deflected a shot from Zach Werenski past Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar just under two minutes later at 12:54. Denton Mateychuk added a third goal for Columbus just 50 seconds after that, capping off a dominant opening frame that left the visitors ahead 3-0.

Kent Johnson Saves the Night: Jackets Blow a 3-0 Lead, Win 4-3 in OT | Blue Jackets Postgame at F…

Philadelphia responded with a relentless push over the final two periods, outshooting Columbus 28-6 down the stretch to force the extra session. Noah Cates got the Flyers on the board by poking a loose puck past goaltender Cam Talbot for his first goal of the season. Trevor Zegras later cut the deficit to 3-2 with under five minutes remaining in regulation, sliding a pass to Tyson Foerster whose subsequent shot was tipped into the net by Jamie Drysdale with only 11 seconds left on the clock.

Overtime Heroics and Standout Goaltending

Despite the late surge by Philadelphia, Columbus reclaimed momentum in the extra period. Johnson sealed the victory on a two-on-none breakaway, completing a give-and-go with Fantilli for his sixth goal of the season. Cam Talbot finished the night with 28 saves to earn his third win of the campaign for the Blue Jackets, while Dan Vladar stopped 11 shots for the Flyers.

The win marks the first time this season that Columbus has won consecutive games. The Flyers, meanwhile, have now secured points in four of their last five outings following a franchise-record nine-game winless streak to start the season.

The Blue Jackets continue their road trip on Thursday in Carolina, while the Flyers travel to Washington to face the Capitals on Wednesday.

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