Blue Jackets blow early lead on 3 bad-luck goals, endure tough loss to Islanders

After a 4-3 loss in overtime, the Blue Jackets now sit five points behind the Bruins for the second wild-card spot.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:47am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets lost an early 2-0 lead, fell behind after three bad-bounce goals by the New York Islanders in the second period, and lost 4-3 in overtime on Saturday before a standing-room-only crowd of 18,925 in Nationwide Arena. The loss was damaging as the Blue Jackets now sit five points behind the Bruins for the second wild-card spot and seven points behind the Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets were the NHL's hottest club heading into the Olympic break, crawling their way out of the Eastern Conference cellar to within sniffing distance of a playoff spot. However, their recent losses have put them in a precarious position in the standings, making their path to the playoffs more difficult.

The details

The Islanders' three goals in regulation were the greasy type that playoff hockey demands. The first came when Scott Mayfield's backhand lobbed puck struck either Anders Lee or Jet Greaves, dropping into the slot for Lee to sweep home. The second came when Jean-Gabriel Pageau sandwiched Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro between him and Greaves in his pursuit of the rebound, with the goal standing despite the Blue Jackets' challenge. The third was the most ridiculous, as Mayfield's wrister caromed off Kirill Marchenko, shot toward the net and glanced off Zach Werenski's right leg or skate, dribbling past Greaves.

  • The Blue Jackets lost in Boston on Thursday, marking the first time they have lost two straight games since Rick Bowness took over as coach on Jan. 12.
  • The Blue Jackets' shutout streak of 136:39 was snapped with the Islanders' first goal in the second period.

The players

Jet Greaves

The Blue Jackets' goaltender, who stopped 22 of 26 shots, including all 10 he faced in the third period.

Adam Fantilli

The Blue Jackets' player who was caught up ice in overtime, allowing Simon Holmstrom to skate past him for the game-winning goal.

Zach Werenski

The Blue Jackets' defenseman who was honored in a brief pregame ceremony for winning Olympic gold with Team USA last week.

Rick Bowness

The Blue Jackets' head coach, who couldn't explain the team's lack of power play opportunities in the last two games.

Simon Holmstrom

The Islanders' player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“You have to take advantage of every change you get, and when you don't, lucky bounces like that can lose the game. I thought we carried play for 85 percent of the game, and we played in their end as much as we wanted to.”

— Adam Fantilli

“I feel for Jet. Those are some pretty good bounces for them.”

— Mason Marchment

“We're not having this conversation if I don't get beat back to the net in the overtime. That can't happen.”

— Adam Fantilli

“I can't explain it. Honestly, I can't. I'm seeing things that, OK, I think are penalties and the referees obviously don't. But that's two games now, and we've had one power play. I can't explain that.”

— Rick Bowness, Blue Jackets Head Coach

“They know we're playing good hockey. You've just got to fight through it. We can't change anything. We wouldn't be creating chances if we weren't playing well. If we weren't playing well enough, then that's a whole other discussion right now. We played well enough to win both, and we didn't. We got a point. So get ready for the (New York) Rangers (on Monday).”

— Rick Bowness, Blue Jackets Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.