Flyers' playoff push stalls with 3-2 home loss to Blue Jackets

Columbus sweeps season series, jumps ahead of Penguins for second seed in Metro Division

Mar. 25, 2026 at 2:33am

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The Philadelphia Flyers' playoff push hit a setback with a 3-2 home loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Flyers had won three straight on the road but couldn't carry that momentum at home, where they are now 3-7-4 in their last 14 games. Columbus swept the season series and jumped ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second seed in the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

The Flyers were looking to build on their recent road success and make a late-season push for a playoff spot, but this home loss to a divisional rival is a significant blow to those hopes. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have solidified their position in the playoff race with the season sweep of the Flyers.

The details

The Flyers took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Sean Couturier, but the Blue Jackets responded with two unanswered goals in the second period from Mathieu Olivier and Zach Werenski to take a 2-1 lead. Columbus extended the lead to 3-1 early in the third before Jamie Drysdale scored late to make it 3-2, but the Flyers couldn't find the equalizer. Noah Cates had a chance to give the Flyers the lead in the first period but was stopped on a penalty shot.

  • The Flyers have not won four straight games since Feb. 6-12, 2024.
  • Couturier scored his 8th goal of the season in the first period.
  • Olivier scored 44 seconds into the second period to tie the game at 1-1.
  • Werenski scored less than 2 minutes later to give Columbus a 2-1 lead.
  • Marchement scored less than 5 minutes into the third period to make it 3-1 Columbus.

The players

Sean Couturier

Flyers forward who scored the team's first goal of the game.

Mathieu Olivier

Blue Jackets forward who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Zach Werenski

Blue Jackets defenseman who scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and helped the U.S. win gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.

Jamie Drysdale

Flyers defenseman who scored late in the third period to make it 3-2.

Noah Cates

Flyers forward who was stopped on a penalty shot in the first period.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This loss is a significant setback for the Flyers' playoff push, as they were unable to capitalize on their recent road success and pick up a crucial divisional win at home. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have solidified their position in the playoff race with the season sweep.