COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After months of planning and years of anticipation, the big day finally arrived and it ended with a Blue Jackets win. Columbus defeated Detroit 5-3 in the first ever outdoor NHL hockey game to take place at Ohio Stadium.

Justin Danforth electrified the crowd of 94,751 fans when he scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period, assisted by Zach Aston-Reese and Ivan Provorov.

“Not just the win. Obviously, that’s fantastic,” Jackets coach Dean Evason said. “But all the stuff with Johnny made it extra special. The stadium, the pep rally, the walk in. There’s a lot of emotion there.”

After a scoreless first period, Columbus lit the lantern first when Denton Mateychuk scored at the 14:29 mark of the second, assisted by Boone Jenner and James van Riemsdyk. Detroit leveled the game when Alex DeBrincat scored with 6:54 to go, assisted by Patrick Kane and Moritz Seider.

The Blue Jackets responded with back-to-back power play goals within 32 seconds. Dmitri Voronkov broke the 1-1 tie at the 2:37 mark with his 20th goal of the season. Then Mathieu Olivier added a goal at the 2:05 mark to give Columbus a 3-1 lead heading into the third.

In the final period, Kane scored his 15th goal of the season to get the Red Wings back within one at the 16:26 mark, assisted by Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson. DeBrincat scored the game-tying goal for Detroit with 3:24 to go.

But Justin Danforth hit the go-ahead goal 1:07 later, scoring his sixth goal of the season and arguably most meaningful of his Blue Jackets career. Adam Fantilli added an empty-net insurance goal with 1:08 remaining to secure the victory for Columbus.

There was plenty of pomp and circumstance leading up to puck drop, including a fly-over during the national anthem and Ohio State football player Sonny Styles lifting the national championship trophy during the ceremonial puck drop. And as part of the tributes to the Gaudreau brothers, Johnny’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, walked the Blue Jackets out from the Ohio State locker room to the rink.

Twenty One Pilots performed during the first intermission on a stage set up on the north endzone, incorporating pyrotechnics and fire during their set.

Saturday’s victory marked the second straight win for Columbus over Detroit in the span of three days. The two teams faced each other in Detroit on Thursday in a game that Columbus won 5-2.

Third Period Photo Gallery

  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Justin Danforth #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates by the team bench and celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after defeating the Detroit Red Wings during the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Adam Fantilli #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates by the team bench and celebrates with teammates after scoring an empty net goal during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets clears the puck during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: A general view of the cannon firing during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: A general view of game action during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: The Ohio State Athletic Band perform during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Justin Danforth #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates by the team bench and celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets raises his arms after an empty net goal by teammate Adam Fantilli #19 as Moritz Seider #53, Alex DeBrincat #93 and Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings look on during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts after a goal by teammate Adam Fantilli #19 as Moritz Seider #53 and Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings look on during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Justin Danforth #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with Mathieu Olivier #24 after scoring a goal during the third period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Twenty One Pilots Concert Gallery

  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: 21 Pilots perform onstage during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: 21 Pilots perform onstage during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: 21 Pilots perform onstage during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: 21 Pilots perform onstage during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Musician Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots performs during the first intermission of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Musicians Josh Dun and Tyler Josephs of Twenty One Pilots perform during the first intermission of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Singer Tyler Joseph of the band 21 Pilots performs with band mates onstage during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: 21 Pilots perform onstage during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Musicians Josh Dun and Tyler Josephs of Twenty One Pilots perform during the first intermission of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Drummer Josh Dun of the band 21 Pilots performs onstage with band mates during the first intermission of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Second Period Photo Gallery

  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Mathieu Olivier #24 of the olumbus Blue Jackets reacts after scoring during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Boone Jenner #38 and James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Columbus Blue Jackets react after a goal scored by Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets (not in photo) during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates Ivan Provorov #9 and Boone Jenner #38 after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates Ivan Provorov #9 and Boone Jenner #38 after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates Ivan Provorov #9, Kent Johnson #91, James van Riemsdyk #21 and Boone Jenner #38 after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Alex DeBrincat #93 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates with Lucas Raymond #23 after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Alex DeBrincat #93 of the Detroit Red Wings skates by the team bench and celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Alex DeBrincat #93 of the Detroit Red Wings is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Dmitri Voronkov #10 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Denton Mateychuck #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings during the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Denton Mateychuck #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings during the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Mathieu Olivier #24 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

First Period Photo Gallery

  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Justin Danforth #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Albert Johansson #20 of the Detroit Red Wings v for the puck during the first period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: A general view of the video scoreboard before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: The Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings line up for the face-off during the first period of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets attempts a shot against Ben Chiarot #8 of the Detroit Red Wings during the first period during the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: (L-R) Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings, Jay Fielding, OSU President Ted Carter, Sonny Styles and Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets pose for a photo at center ice for the ceremonial puck drop before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: (L-R) Jay Fielding, OSU President Ted Carter and Sonny Styles stand at center ice before the ceremonial puck drop before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Justin Holl #3 of the Detroit Red Wings skates with Zach Werenski #8 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Denton Mateychuk #5 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates the puck through the neutral zone against Albert Johansson #20 of the Detroit Red Wings during the first period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets stops as Ben Chiarot #8 of the Detroit Red Wings defends the play during the first period of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Pregame Photo Gallery

  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: (L-R) Damon Severson #78, Boone Jenner #38 and Zach Werenski #8 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and teammates make their way to the ice for warm-up before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: (L-R) Damon Severson #78 and Boone Jenner #38 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and teammates make their way to the ice for warm-up before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Zach Werenski #8 of the Columbus Blue Jackets tapes his stick before the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Justin Danforth #17 and the Columbus Blue Jackets walk out of the tunnel ahead of the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets leads the team onto the ice prior to the 2025 NHL Stadium Series against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: The Ohio State band marches onto the ice prior to the 2025 NHL Stadium Series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Ohio State mascot, Brutus walks out with a fan ahead of the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Head coach Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on ahead of the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
  • COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 01: The Columbus Blue Jackets stand at their blueline for pre-game ceremonies before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Pregame Pep Rally

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