Carolina Hurricanes Reach 100-Point Mark with 5-2 Victory Over Blue Jackets

Nikolaj Ehlers scores go-ahead goal as Hurricanes remain tied for top seed in East

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:40am

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The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 on Tuesday night, reaching the 100-point mark for the fifth time in franchise history. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, while Andrei Svechnikov, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Logan Stankoven also scored power-play goals for the Hurricanes. Carolina goaltender Brandon Bussi made 23 saves to help his team remain tied with the Buffalo Sabres for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes' victory over the struggling Blue Jackets keeps them in the hunt for the top spot in the East, which would give them home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Columbus, meanwhile, is clinging to the second wild-card spot in the conference, with Ottawa, Detroit, and Philadelphia all within striking distance.

The details

The Hurricanes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with power-play goals from Gostisbehere and Stankoven. Columbus evened the score early in the third period, but Ehlers' go-ahead goal and Svechnikov's power-play tally in the final minutes sealed the win for Carolina.

  • The Hurricanes reached the 100-point mark for the fifth time in franchise history.
  • Carolina has scored at least one power-play goal in seven consecutive games, going 11-for-23 during that stretch.

The players

Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes forward who scored the go-ahead goal and added two assists in the victory.

Andrei Svechnikov

Hurricanes forward who scored a power-play goal and recorded an assist.

Brandon Bussi

Hurricanes goaltender who made 23 saves to help his team secure the win.

Kirill Marchenko

Blue Jackets forward who scored one of Columbus' two goals.

Adam Fantilli

Blue Jackets forward who scored the other goal for Columbus.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus if we want to maintain our position at the top of the East.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Hurricanes Head Coach

What’s next

The Hurricanes and Blue Jackets will meet again on Thursday in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the fourth and final time in the regular season.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' ability to capitalize on the power play and get timely goals from their top players has been a key factor in their success this season. As the playoffs approach, Carolina will need to maintain this level of play to secure the top seed in the East and make a deep postseason run.