Kings Defeat Blue Jackets in Overtime Thriller

Adrian Kempe's late goal lifts Los Angeles to crucial win in playoff race

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Adrian Kempe scored the game-winning goal with 1:26 left in overtime to give the Los Angeles Kings a 5-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. The win moves the Kings within a point of Seattle for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Columbus tied the game late in regulation, but Kempe's heroics in overtime sealed the comeback win for Los Angeles.

Why it matters

This was a crucial game in the tight Western Conference playoff race, with both teams fighting for wild-card positioning. The Kings' victory keeps them in the hunt, while the Blue Jackets' loss is a setback in their bid to catch Boston for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

The details

Kempe scored twice for the Kings, including the overtime winner. Brian Dumoulin had a goal and two assists for Los Angeles, while Scott Laughton and Artemi Panarin also scored. Kirill Marchenko and Connor Garland (2 goals) found the net for Columbus, which rallied late to force overtime before falling short.

  • The game was rescheduled from January 26 due to a blizzard in Columbus.
  • Kempe scored the game-winning goal with 1:26 left in overtime.

The players

Adrian Kempe

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored the overtime winner.

Brian Dumoulin

A defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings who had a goal and two assists.

Kirill Marchenko

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the game-tying goal late in regulation.

Connor Garland

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored two goals.

Jet Greaves

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 26 saves.

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What’s next

The Kings will visit the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, while the Blue Jackets will travel to face the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory keeps the Kings in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference, while the Blue Jackets missed an opportunity to gain ground in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.