Nathan Horton Out Against Dallas, Will Make History

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nathan Horton won’t suit up on Wednesday night when his team takes on the Dallas Stars. Horton suffered a lower-body injury in Columbus’ 4-3 OT victory over Phoenix on Tuesday night which has him as day-to-day on the injury report.

However, just because he won’t dress tonight doesn’t mean he’ll find himself left off the scoresheet. In fact, he’s going to be making NHL history tonight.

The game tonight is the makeup date for the game on March 10 when Stars forward Rich Peverly collapsed on the bench due to a cardiac event resulting in the postponement of the contest. Horton had scored for the Jackets prior to the delay which means that when the puck drops on tonight’s game — which will start as if it’s a new game expect for the score — Horton will, technically, be the first player to register a goal in a game without playing in said contest.

From the Dallas Morning News:

"Nathan will be credited with a goal at the 0:00 mark of the make-up game. In addition, Matt Calvert and James Wisniewski get assists. All other statistics will be expunged. Thomas will not be charged with a goal against, and there will be no record of minutes played or shots on goal."

Tonight’s game is huge for both Dallas and Columbus. The Blue Jackets need just two points to clinch their second postseason berth in franchise history while the Stars are still fighting with the Phoenix Coyotes for the second, and final, wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Faceoff is scheduled for 8:30pm ET.