Bruins defeat Blue Jackets in James Hagens' debut

Sean Kuraly scores and sets up two others in Boston's 3-2 win over Columbus.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:10am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competing forces of a hockey game, with players and the puck rendered as abstract shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the intense action on the ice as the Bruins and Blue Jackets battle for playoff positioning.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Sunday night, with Sean Kuraly scoring and setting up two other goals. The Bruins clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday and are battling the Senators for seeding. James Hagens, a 19-year-old, scored a point in his NHL debut with a secondary assist.

Why it matters

The Bruins' win over the Blue Jackets keeps them in the hunt for a higher playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, while the loss damages Columbus' chances of securing the third seed in the Metropolitan Division.

The details

Boston's Sean Kuraly scored and set up two other goals, including the game-winner by Mark Kastelic, to lead the Bruins to a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets. Columbus' Adam Fantilli tied the game at 2-2 early in the third period, but Kastelic's goal at 10:22 of the third gave Boston the win. Joonas Korpisalo made 33 saves for the Bruins, while Jet Greaves stopped 19 shots for the Blue Jackets.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Boston clinched an Eastern Conference wild-card berth on Saturday.
  • This was the third and final meeting of the season between the Blue Jackets and Bruins.

The players

Sean Kuraly

A forward for the Boston Bruins who scored a goal and had two assists in the game.

Mark Kastelic

A forward for the Boston Bruins who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

James Hagens

A 19-year-old player who scored a point in his NHL debut with a secondary assist for the Boston Bruins.

Adam Fantilli

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored a goal to tie the game at 2-2 in the third period.

Joonas Korpisalo

The goaltender for the Boston Bruins who made 33 saves in the win.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to battle for a higher seed and keep our focus on the playoffs.”

— Bruce Cassidy, Head Coach, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Bruins will continue their push for a higher playoff seed, while the Blue Jackets will look to rebound and secure a spot in the postseason.

The takeaway

This game was an important win for the Bruins as they fight for playoff positioning, while the loss was a setback for the Blue Jackets' hopes of securing a higher seed in the Metropolitan Division.