Bruins Top Blue Jackets 4-2 After Olympic Break

Boston Bruins 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

BOSTON - The Boston Bruins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 on Thursday night at TD Garden, marking the first National Hockey League game for both teams following a three-week break for the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Viktor Arvidsson scored twice for Boston, including an empty-net goal, while Joonas Korpisalo made 36 saves in net to secure the victory and preserve the Bruins' hold on a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The game began with both squads shaking off Olympic rust, but Boston struck first through Morgan Geekie, who netted his 33rd goal of the season on a second-period power play. The opportunity arose after Columbus forward Miles Wood collided with Korpisalo, drawing an interference penalty. Backup goalie Michael DiPietro entered briefly and stopped two shots while Korpisalo was evaluated for a possible concussion. Sean Kuraly extended the lead to 3-0 in the third period with his goal, but the Blue Jackets rallied late. Adam Fantilli pulled Columbus within one at 6:00 remaining with a shot from the high slot, and Kirill Marchenko added his 20th goal earlier in the frame. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 19 shots for Columbus,...