Blue Jackets and Lightning Face Off in Crucial Eastern Conference Matchup

Key details on how to watch the March 10 NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on Tuesday, March 10. The game is set to start at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications, as the Lightning currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings with 82 points, while the Blue Jackets are ninth with 74 points. A win could help either team solidify their position in the playoff race.

The details

The Lightning enter the game with a 39-19-4 record, while the Blue Jackets are 32-21-10. Several key players will be out or day-to-day for the game, including Max Crozier, Dominic James, and Nicholas Paul for the Blue Jackets, and Gage Goncalves, Erik Gudbranson, and Brendan Smith for the Lightning.

  • The game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.

The players

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently third in the Eastern Conference standings with 82 points.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings with 74 points.

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The takeaway

This game between the Lightning and Blue Jackets is a crucial one in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with both teams looking to improve their standing in the standings.