Blue Jackets Edge Rangers in OT After Blowing 4-Goal Lead

Kirill Marchenko scored the game-winner for Columbus after the Rangers stormed back from a 4-0 deficit.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Blue Jackets built a 4-0 lead through the first two periods, but the New York Rangers stormed back with four unanswered goals in the third period to force overtime. Kirill Marchenko scored the game-winning goal 1:04 into overtime to give the Blue Jackets the 5-4 victory.

Why it matters

The Rangers' dramatic comeback highlights the team's resilience and ability to battle back from a large deficit, while the Blue Jackets' collapse raises questions about their ability to hold leads. The game also showcases the unpredictable nature of NHL hockey, where no lead is ever safe.

The details

Columbus jumped out to a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Sean Monahan, and Mathieu Olivier. However, the Rangers roared back in the third period with goals from Vladislav Gavrikov, Gabe Perreault (twice), and Will Borgen to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra period, Marchenko scored his second goal of the night to give Columbus the victory.

  • The Blue Jackets built their 4-0 lead through the first two periods.
  • The Rangers scored four unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game.
  • Kirill Marchenko scored the game-winning goal 1:04 into overtime.

The players

Kirill Marchenko

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.

Gabe Perreault

A forward for the New York Rangers who scored two goals in the third period to help the team rally from a 4-0 deficit.

Igor Shesterkin

The goaltender for the New York Rangers who made 23 saves in the game.

Elvis Merzlikins

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 27 saves in the game.

Adam Fantilli

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the opening goal of the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew we had to keep fighting and not give up. The guys showed a lot of heart to come back from that big deficit.”

— Gabe Perreault, Rangers Forward (New York Post)

“It's tough to let a lead like that slip away, but credit to the Rangers for not quitting. We'll need to learn from this and find a way to close out games better.”

— Kirill Marchenko, Blue Jackets Forward (Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, while the Rangers will welcome the Toronto Maple Leafs to Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

The takeaway

This game showcased the unpredictable nature of the NHL, where no lead is ever safe. The Rangers' dramatic comeback demonstrated the team's resilience, while the Blue Jackets' collapse raised questions about their ability to protect leads. Both teams will need to learn from this experience as they prepare for their next matchups.