LAS VEGAS -- Cole Sillinger scored 52 seconds into overtime to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 2-1 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday. Adam Fantilli scored in his 100th career NHL game and Elvis Merzlikins made 25 saves for the Blue Jackets (25-19-7), who have won two in a row.

Columbus kicked off a key road trip with a big victory thanks to a dedication to the defensive side of the puck

Nets game-winner in return

Sillinger (upper body) will be back in the lineup versus Vegas on Thursday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. Sillinger links back up with the Blue Jackets for the first time since Jan.

The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 in overtime, with Cole Sillinger scoring the game-winner, as the Knights suffered their second straight home loss in overtime.

Cole Sillinger scored 52 seconds into overtime to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday

A goal late in the first period by Adam Fantilli plus stellar work from goalie Elvis Merzlikins and his defensive-minded teammates were all the Jackets needed to force the game beyond regulation. From there,

Cole Sillinger, who missed the previous three games because of an upper-body injury, scored on a rebound 52 seconds into overtime to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Cole Sillinger, who missed the previous three games because of an upper-body injury, scored on a rebound 52 seconds into overtime to give the Columbus Blue Jackets a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger (upper body) will return from a three-game absence on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights. He is set to fill a top-six role in the contest after skating with James van Riemsdyk and Kent Johnson in Wednesday's practice.

The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 in overtime, with Cole Sillinger scoring the game-winner, as the Knights suffered their second straight home loss in overtime.