The Columbus Blue Jackets kicked off a new era behind the bench with a decisive victory, defeating the Calgary Flames 5-3 on Tuesday night. The win marked a successful debut for new head coach Rick Bowness, with captain Boone Jenner playing a pivotal role in the outcome.
A Strong Start for the Bowness Era
The game, played on January 13, 2026, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, saw the Blue Jackets come out with noticeable energy. The team responded to their new coach's systems, building momentum through aggressive forechecking and structured defensive play. This foundational effort translated into offensive opportunities and ultimately controlled the game's tempo against a visiting Flames squad.
Jenner Seals the Deal in Third Period
While the scoreboard saw contributions from across the lineup, the defining moment came from the team's leader. With the game hanging in the balance in the third period, Boone Jenner scored a crucial goal that extended the Blue Jackets' lead and effectively sealed the Flames' fate. His tally served as the insurance marker in the 5-3 final, showcasing the clutch performance expected from a captain.
The victory was a full-team effort, however. The Blue Jackets' defense, including notable plays from defenseman Zach Werenski who was seen effectively clearing the puck from danger areas, helped limit Calgary's high-quality chances. The AP photo from the game captured Werenski maneuvering the puck past Flames' center Mikael Backlund during second-period action, illustrating the tight defensive battle.
What This Win Means for Columbus
Starting a coaching tenure with a win is always significant, and this 5-3 victory provides immediate positive momentum for the Bowness-led Blue Jackets. It demonstrates the players' ability to adapt and execute a new game plan successfully. For the Calgary Flames, the loss highlights areas needing adjustment as they continue their season's campaign.
The result stands as an early benchmark for Columbus. The combination of strong goaltending, timely defensive plays like Werenski's, and key offensive contributions from leaders like Jenner created a winning formula. The team will look to build on this performance as they move forward under their new coach's direction.
