Severson scores and Merzlikins stops 28 shots as the Blue Jackets beat the Islanders 2-0

Damon Severson broke a scoreless tie in the third period, Elvis Merzlikins stopped 28 shots in recording his first shutout of the season and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the New York Islanders 2-0
New York Islanders' Semyon Varlamov, left, makes a save as teammate Noah Dobson, right, and Columbus Blue Jackets' James van Riemsdyk look for the rebound during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Credit: AP

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New York Islanders' Semyon Varlamov, left, makes a save as teammate Noah Dobson, right, and Columbus Blue Jackets' James van Riemsdyk look for the rebound during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Damon Severson broke a scoreless tie in the third period, Elvis Merzlikins stopped 28 shots for his first shutout of the season and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the New York Islanders 2-0 on Wednesday night.

It was the first time this season the Blue Jackets (5-3-1) have won two straight, but they have earned seven of a possible eight points in their last four games.

After both goalies turned away some great shots in the first two periods, Severson's shot from a sharp angle on the right caromed off the skate of New York defenseman Ryan Pulock and into the net 5:43 into the third. It was Severson's second goal of the season.

Semyon Varlamov made 24 saves for the Islanders (3-5-2) but was pulled for a sixth skater with 2:30 left. Justin Danforth then scored an empty-netter 27 seconds later.

Takeaways

Islanders: They had five shots on goal in the first period until their play picked up in the second, but Merzlikins kept the net clean for Columbus.

Blue Jackets: Of all the great looks and shots they took through the first two periods, they finally got the goal on a bounce off an opponent's skate. After scoring six goals in each of their previous wins this season, Columbus had to sweat one out.

Key moment

Severson netted a shot from right point near the end of the first period, but officials waved it off because they said James van Riemsdyk interfered with Varlamov.

Key stat

Merlikins got the 11th shutout of his career. It came two nights after he lost a shutout bid against Edmonton on a power play with 27 seconds left. Columbus won that game 6-1.

Up Next

Both teams will be back in action on Friday, with the Islanders visiting Buffalo and the Blue Jackets hosting the Winnipeg.

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Columbus Blue Jackets' Elvis Merzlikins, left, makes a save against New York Islanders' Maxim Tsyplakov during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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New York Islanders' Semyon Varlamov, right, protects the goal as teammate Noah Dobson, center, and Columbus Blue Jackets' Mikael Pyyhtia battle for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Columbus Blue Jackets' Justin Danforth, left, and New York Islanders' Adam Pelech battle for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Columbus Blue Jackets' Sean Kuraly, left, keeps the puck away from New York Islanders' Casey Cizikas during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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New York Islanders' Adam Pelech, left, tries to clear the puck as Columbus Blue Jackets' Sean Monahan defends during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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