Justin Danforth converted his own rebound with 2:17 remaining as the Columbus Blue Jackets earned a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night.
Blue Jackets forwards Dmitri Voronkov and Mathieu Olivier scored 32 seconds apart late in the second period to give Columbus a 3-1 lead. Patrick Kane tallied early in the third frame and Alex DeBrincat tied it with 3:24 to go. But Danforth restored the Jackets' lead and Adam Fantilli buried an empty-netter with 1:08 left to seal it.
A crowd of 94,751 took in the outdoor affair, marking the second-largest attendance total ever for an NHL game behind the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.
The Red Wings outshot the Blue Jackets 46-21, including a 21-8 margin in the third period.
Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made 43 saves. Detroit netminder Cam Talbot allowed four goals on 20 shots.
The Blue Jackets and Red Wings honored the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the contest. Columbus came into the arena wearing matching sweatshirts from Avalon Surf Shop in New Jersey that captain Boone Jenner described as a "signature Johnny fit."
The Red Wings wore No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau jerseys from throughout his career, including from Team USA and Boston College.
The Gaudreau family led the Blue Jackets' procession into the stadium.
"This city, this night, was special, and I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau had something to smile about tonight," Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin said postgame, per the Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James. "I want both of our teams in the playoffs."
Jenner talked about how the Blue Jackets felt Johnny's presence in the building.
"He was here with us tonight and he's been here with us all season," the Columbus forward said, according to team reporter Jeff Svoboda. "We've played for him, and tonight obviously he was here. We wanted to honor him the best way that we could, and not only doing that but playing as he would play."
Jenner also discussed how memorable the evening was as a whole.
"I knew it was going to be special, but I was still blown away," he said, per The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.
The game had significant postseason implications, with both teams coming into the contest occupying Eastern Conference wild-card spots. Columbus remains in the first position with two more points than Detroit. Both clubs have played 60 games.
