Stadium Series game an excellent showcase for Columbus

When the NHL announced that the 2025 Stadium Series was going to pit the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Detroit Red Wings, many wondered what kind of excitement would be drawn in the outdoor game, regardless that it was being played at the historic Ohio Stadium.

Thanks to multiple storylines, including a battle between two teams fighting for a playoff spot, the game highlighted an outstanding event.

From how the Blue Jackets and fans inside the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team honored the late Johnny Gaudreau in a multitude of ways to a rather exciting game between the Red Wings and Columbus, it was overall one of the better Stadium Series games in recent years.

On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss what made Saturday night such a special display for the hockey community around Columbus.

Frank Seravalli: What a moment for the city of Columbus and the Columbus Blue Jackets franchise. The opportunity to showcase yourself to the rest of the league. Not just as a playoff team this year, but 95,000 fans in attendance at the ‘Shoe. [Gaudreau’s] family leading them out. The wardrobe that they wore into the building. Magical night.

They romped, maybe not so much play-wise because Detroit did control so much of it…the Red Wings give up five. Cam Talbot–tough night. The exact opposite for Elvis Merzlikins, who was just phenomenal…what a moment for him and what a moment for this team that has been shorthanded all year with just an incredible pile-up of injuries. For them to be in this spot…if you would’ve told me back in October that Red Wings/Blue Jackets outdoors at the Ohio State University would’ve meant something, I would’ve said you’re lying. Magical moment and weekend for Columbus. I know they’re incredibly proud of their showing, and they should be.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…