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

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.

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.