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Tragedy has struck the hockey world as Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bicycle accident on Thursday night in New Jersey. The 31-year-old Gaudreau, known affectionately as "Johnny Hockey," and his 29-year-old brother were struck by a vehicle in Oldmans Township, approximately 50 miles from Trenton.The driver of the car, a 43-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The Gaudreau brothers were reportedly returning home for their sister's wedding on Friday.Gaudreau's death has sent shockwaves through the NHL. Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his profound sadness, stating that Gaudreau's "infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey.'"Gaudreau, a native of New Jersey, played his first nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022. He represented Team USA in world championships and was known for his electrifying play and infectious personality.The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of Gaudreau, who they described as "not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.""He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him," the statement read.The Calgary Flames also paid tribute to their former player, stating that "Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary."Gaudreau's death is a tragic loss for the hockey community and beyond. His infectious spirit and exceptional talent will be deeply missed.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been struggling this season, but they have maintained their dominance over the Columbus Blue Jackets, defeating them for the 10th time in 11 meetings on Tuesday night.The Penguins took an early lead with goals from Jesse Puljujarvi and Evgeni Malkin in the first period. Columbus tied the game in the second period with goals from Johnny Gaudreau and Andrew Peeke, but Pittsburgh regained the lead with a fluky goal from Rickard Rakell on a power play.Columbus tied the game again in the third period with a short-handed goal from Jack Roslovic, but Jeff Carter and Reilly Smith scored just over a minute apart to give the Penguins some breathing room. Tristan Jarry made 33 saves for the Penguins, while Jet Greaves made 26 saves for the Blue Jackets.The Penguins' victory snapped a three-game losing streak, but they remain in danger of missing the playoffs for a second straight season. First-year general manager Kyle Dubas is likely to be a seller before Friday's trade deadline, and star forward Jake Guentzel could be gone by the weekend.Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team's future, the Penguins played with determination and resilience against the Blue Jackets. They converted turnovers into goals in the first period and responded quickly after Columbus tied the game in the third period."We were the better team for a lot of the night," said Smith, who had a goal and two assists. "We deservedly so."The Penguins will host the Washington Capitals on Thursday night, while the Blue Jackets will host the Edmonton Oilers.