Blue Jackets rally to defeat Predators in comeback effort

Sean Monahan and Damon Severson scored third-period goals to lift Columbus over Nashville

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets came from behind to defeat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on March 3 at Nationwide Arena. Sean Monahan and Damon Severson scored goals in the third period to erase a 2-1 Predators lead and give the Blue Jackets the victory. Adam Fantilli scored the opening goal for Columbus, while Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly tallied for Nashville.

Why it matters

The comeback win was an important result for the Blue Jackets, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race. The game also featured several key storylines, including the Blue Jackets overcoming injuries to Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner, and a controversial goal review that went in Nashville's favor in the first period.

The details

The Blue Jackets fell behind 2-1 after goals by Forsberg and O'Reilly, but rallied in the third period. Monahan scored a short-handed goal to tie the game at 2-2, and Severson's shot from the point deflected in to give Columbus the lead. The Predators challenged the go-ahead goal for goaltender interference, but the NHL upheld the tally.

  • The game was played on March 3, 2026 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
  • Fantilli scored the opening goal for the Blue Jackets with 5:37 left in the first period.
  • Forsberg tied the game for the Predators with 28 seconds remaining in the first period.
  • O'Reilly gave Nashville a 2-1 lead in the second period.
  • Monahan scored the tying goal for Columbus 1:52 into the third period, and Severson netted the game-winner at the 6:07 mark of the final frame.

The players

Sean Monahan

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the tying goal in the third period.

Damon Severson

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Adam Fantilli

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who opened the scoring in the first period.

Filip Forsberg

A forward for the Nashville Predators who scored the game-tying goal in the first period.

Ryan O'Reilly

A forward for the Nashville Predators who gave his team a 2-1 lead in the second period.

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What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is scheduled for March 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' ability to rally from a late deficit and secure a hard-fought victory over a divisional opponent demonstrates their resilience and determination as they fight for a postseason berth. This win could provide a much-needed boost of confidence as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season.