For the second straight game, the Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers went into a shootout.
On Tuesday, the Jackets didn't even deserve that point before losing. They deserved a better fate on Thursday, and they got it.
Alexandre Texier scored on the fourth shot of the shootout to give Columbus a 3-2 victory. It was the Jackets' first win in four games this season that extended beyond regulation.
After the first three shooters for each team were stopped in the shootout, Texier came in on Chris Driedger and almost casually poked the puck in, as if using a pool cue.
Elvis Merzlikins then stopped Patric Hornqvist to seal the win.
The game marked the Blue Jackets debut of Columbus native Jack Roslovic, who was acquired along with Patrik Laine in the trade Saturday for Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Roslovic started at center flanked by Cam Atkinson and Boone Jenner. He played just over 14 minutes without registering a shot.
The Jackets were looking to make amends after Tuesday's loss against the Panthers. Florida dominated that game before sending the game to overtime with a goal with 2.5 seconds left in regulation and then prevailing in a shootout.
Columbus started slowly on Thursday before revving up as the first period progressed. The Jackets would break through with just over 3 minutes left. Taking a pass from Dean Kukan, Eric Robinson used his speed to get the puck down low. He lost it briefly before regaining control and passing across the crease to Koivu, who put the puck past Driedger.
It was the first goal as a Blue Jacket for the 37-year-old Koivu, who was playing only his second game after missing the first six games because of COVID-19 protocol.
Florida tied it late in the second period. Alexandre Texier's soft pass trying to clear the zone was intercepted by Anthony Duclair. The former Jacket drove to the net. Merzlikins stopped the initial shot, but Carter Verhaeghe retrieved the rebound and flipped it into the open net. It was the fourth goal in as many games this season for Verhaeghe and fifth assist for Duclair.
The Blue Jackets' maligned power play came to life to give Columbus a 2-1 lead. Max Domi won the faceoff to Zach Werenski, who gave it back to Domi. The center then unleashed a laser that beat Driedger. It was only the Jackets' second power-play goal of the season.
But the lead lasted only about six minutes. Anton Stralman ripped a shot that Merzlikins stopped but couldn't locate. Eetu Luostarinen did and tapped in the puck to make it 2-2.
