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moneypuck.com/CBJ vs PHI/4-15-25

3 Takeaways From the Blue Jackets’ 3-0 Shutout Win Over the Flyers

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Matthew Buhrmann | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 9:15 AM ET

Hope is still alive in Columbus with Tuesday night’s 3-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Flyers. It is now five straight wins for the Blue Jackets, and now all eyes shift to Wednesday night’s Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes matchup. If the Canadiens lose in regulation, the Blue Jackets can clinch the final playoff spot on Thursday with a regulation win over the New York Islanders.

One of the biggest factors in this win wasn’t just the stellar goaltending—it was the defensive structure that made life easier for netminder Jet Greaves. Columbus was locked in defensively, limiting Philadelphia’s chances in the high-danger areas for most of the 60 minutes.

“I think the guys are just playing great. They’re doing a great job in front of me, making my job pretty simple, so it’s been a team effort. Obviously, it’s an important time of the year. These games matter a lot, but all the guys are doing a great job,” said Jet Greaves post-game.

The Flyers couldn’t generate quality looks, largely because the Blue Jackets controlled the neutral zone and clogged up the slot. They forced Philadelphia’s shooters to settle for long-range attempts, giving Greaves clean sightlines all night. A textbook defensive game.

This commitment to limiting space translated to momentum on offense. Late in the second period, Emil Andrae took an interference penalty against Zach Aston-Reese. The Blue Jackets wasted no time making them pay—just seconds into the power play, Kent Johnson found the back of the net, extending the lead to 2-0.

Johnson’s goal was huge, not just because it added a cushion, but also because Columbus knew they needed a regulation win to stay alive.

Fantilli Joins the 30-Goal Club

Just when you thought Columbus had done enough, Adam Fantilli decided to put an exclamation point on the night. His 30th goal of the season sealed the win and cemented his spot in franchise history once again.

GOAL NO. 30 FOR ADAM FANTILLI!

And this one is a big one! pic.twitter.com/22slFT7CWV
— NHL (@NHL) April 16, 2025

Fantilli joins Kirill Marchenko in the 30-goal club, making this just the second time in franchise history that the Blue Jackets have had two 30-goal scorers in the same season—both under the age of 25.

Even more impressive? Fantilli now stands alongside Rick Nash as the only Blue Jackets player to score 30 goals in his second NHL season. Considering Nash is widely regarded as the best player in franchise history, that’s elite company.

Jet Has Reached Lift-Off

This game was won in the first period thanks to Jet Greaves’ incredible goaltending performance. He didn’t just keep Columbus in the game, but he rather gave them the confidence to play their style, knowing they had a rock-solid presence in the crease. Philadelphia had chances early on, but Greaves completely shut them down, allowing the Blue Jackets to find their legs and take control.

Jet Greaves shined on Saturday night in St. Louis. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Greaves’ stats over the past few games are staggering. He has faced 122 shots in his last four appearances, stopping an incredible 119 of them, good for a .975 save percentage. He’s also recorded two shutouts and has allowed just one goal on his last 115 shots faced—and that goal came against none other than the leading all-time NHL goal scorer, Alexander Ovechkin.

“He might be the hottest guy in the NHL right now. He’s got one goal against him in the last three games, and it’s Ovi? I mean … that’s pretty good. There’s not much else you can say,” said Adam Fantilli post-game.

Odds Are Still Stacked Against the Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets have fought their way back into playoff contention, but the road ahead remains difficult. Carolina will likely be resting key players over the next two games, meaning we could see some American Hockey League (AHL) Chicago Wolves call-ups in NHL action.

The Canes have been locked into a first-round matchup with the New Jersey Devils for quite a while now, and as such, they’ve been able to rest a variety of players as of late.

The odds are slim for the Blue Jackets, but as this team has proven, they don’t care about the odds.

Regardless of what happens, I’m incredibly proud of this group. They’ve battled through adversity, injuries, and countless setbacks, yet they’ve continued to fight with everything they have. That kind of perseverance says a lot about the culture being built in Columbus.

No matter the outcome, Wednesday’s 7:00 PM EST game in Montreal is going to be one to watch. And if everything aligns, Thursday’s game in Columbus could be even bigger.