Hold onto your hats, hockey fans, because the Columbus Blue Jackets just pulled off a stunning upset! In a high-octane showdown on January 24, 2026, the Blue Jackets snapped the Tampa Bay Lightning’s impressive 15-game streak without a regulation loss, delivering an 8-5 victory that left fans buzzing. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: Mason Marchment stole the spotlight with his third career hat trick, proving once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
This game was a rollercoaster from the start. Charlie Coyle hit a major milestone with his 200th career goal and chipped in two assists, while Adam Fantilli broke a 17-game goal drought by scoring on his own rebound—a moment that had the crowd on their feet. Dmitri Voronkov and Sean Monahan also found the back of the net, and Zach Werenski tied a franchise record with his 15th career multi-assist period, matching the legendary Rick Nash. Jet Greaves stood tall in goal, stopping 24 shots and anchoring a four-goal first period—Columbus’s most explosive opening frame since 2003.
But Tampa Bay didn’t go down without a fight. Jake Guentzel extended his point streak to 17 straight games against Columbus with a goal and an assist, while Nikita Kucherov continued his dominance with a goal and three assists. Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel also made their mark, and Jonas Johansson kept the Lightning in it with 23 saves. And this is the part most people miss: despite the loss, Tampa Bay’s resilience was on full display, raising questions about whether this was a slip-up or a sign of deeper challenges ahead.
The game wasn’t without its drama, though. Erik Cernak and Charle-Edouard D’Astous both left the ice early due to injuries, adding an unexpected layer of tension. Meanwhile, Cole Sillinger kicked things off with a neutral-zone turnover goal, only for Tampa Bay to tie it minutes later on a deflected clearing attempt—a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in hockey.
Here’s the controversial take: Was this Columbus’s night to shine, or did Tampa Bay simply have an off night? The Lightning’s streak may be over, but their season is far from finished. As both teams gear up for their next matchups—Tampa Bay hosting Utah and Columbus welcoming Los Angeles on Monday—fans are left wondering: Can the Blue Jackets keep this momentum going, or will the Lightning bounce back stronger than ever? Let us know what you think in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
