A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

As the team wins more and more, the Blue Jackets have shot up the NHL standings. After the win against San Jose, they now sit in the first wild card spot and are just five points back of Carolina, who they face Jan. 23 during this upcoming road trip, for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Elvis Merzlikins made 18 saves to earn the goaltending win in a game that finished with the Blue Jackets holding a commanding 34-19 edge in shots. Tyler Toffoli scored the lone goal for the Sharks at 7:32 of the third, cutting the Jackets’ lead to 3-1 while spoiling Merzlikins’ shutout bid.

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COLUMBUS -- James van Riemsdyk scored twice, and Zach Werenski extended his home point streak to 18 games when the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-1 at Nationwide Arena on Thursday for their sixth straight win.

James van Riemsdyk scored twice and the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the San Jose Sharks 4-1 on Thursday night to extend their win streak to six games — their longest since January 2020. Kent Johnson had a goal and an assist and Adam Fantilli scored a goal to stretch his point streak to eight games.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were about to embark on an extended road trip. They could have easily overlooked the San Jose Sharks. Thanks to a quick start and a good first two periods, the Blue Jackets avoided the trap game.