Kings Defeat Blue Jackets 5-4 in Overtime Thriller

Adrian Kempe's late goal lifts Los Angeles closer to playoff spot

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a back-and-forth game, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime on Monday. Adrian Kempe scored the game-winning goal with 1:26 left in the extra period to lift the Kings, who moved within a point of Seattle for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Columbus tied the game late in regulation, but couldn't hold on as Kempe's second goal of the night sealed the victory for Los Angeles.

Why it matters

This was a crucial win for the Kings as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in the tight Western Conference race. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to gain ground in their own wild-card pursuit, remaining two points behind Boston for the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

The details

The Kings jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Scott Laughton and Artemi Panarin. Columbus fought back, tying the game in the second period on goals by Connor Garland and Denton Mateychuk. Kempe put the Kings back on top, but Brian Dumoulin and Garland scored to give the Blue Jackets a 4-3 lead late. However, Kirill Marchenko's power-play goal with under two minutes left in regulation forced overtime, setting the stage for Kempe's heroics.

  • The game had a rare 4 p.m. weekday start after being rescheduled from January 26 due to a blizzard in Columbus.
  • Los Angeles killed off a high-sticking double minor to start the game before the scoring began.
  • Garland's second goal put Columbus ahead 81 seconds after Mateychuk had tied the game in the second period.
  • Dumoulin scored with 9:53 left in the third period to give Columbus a 4-3 lead, but Marchenko tied it with 1:56 remaining.
  • Kempe scored the game-winning goal with 1:26 left in overtime.

The players

Adrian Kempe

The Los Angeles Kings forward scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift his team to victory.

Connor Garland

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward scored two goals, his first since joining the team from Vancouver.

Kirill Marchenko

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward scored the game-tying goal with under two minutes left in regulation to force overtime.

Anton Forsberg

The Los Angeles Kings goaltender made 28 saves to earn the win.

Jet Greaves

The Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender made 26 saves in the losing effort.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a crucial win for us as we continue to battle for a playoff spot.”

— Adrian Kempe

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 back-and-forth game highlighted the tight playoff races in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, with the Kings inching closer to a wild-card spot and the Blue Jackets still fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive.