Blue Jackets stumble in playoff push with loss to Sharks

Columbus drops third game in four as playoff spot slips away

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:03am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets lost 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks, marking their third loss in four games and the first time they've lost consecutive games in regulation since January. The Blue Jackets failed to play with the 'nasty' and 'grease' that head coach Rick Bowness had been seeking, and they were outplayed by a desperate Sharks team fighting for its own playoff spot.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Blue Jackets out of a playoff position, and they now face a crucial stretch of games as they try to secure a postseason berth. The team's recent struggles have raised questions about their ability to maintain their strong play from earlier in the season.

The details

The Blue Jackets took a 2-1 lead into the third period, but gave up a power-play goal just 57 seconds into the final frame to tie the game. The Sharks then scored the winning goal with 1:25 remaining in regulation. Columbus was credited with only 17 hits on the night, failing to play the physical, 'nasty' style that Bowness had been seeking. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made 33 saves in the losing effort.

  • The Blue Jackets' loss on Saturday was their third in four games.
  • It was the first time the Blue Jackets have lost consecutive games in regulation since January 10.

The players

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has been trying to instill a more physical, 'nasty' style of play in his team.

Igor Chernyshov

The San Jose Sharks player who scored the game-winning goal with 1:25 remaining in regulation.

Elvis Merzlikins

The Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender who made 33 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't have our legs, it's as simple as that. We just didn't have our legs, and these guys have to learn that when you don't have your legs, you try to simplify the game a little bit.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

“They played desperate hockey. They played well. They're fighting for their lives over there, too. We knew (with the six-game skid) they were going to come into our building needing one tonight.”

— Cole Sillinger, Forward, Columbus Blue Jackets

“We didn't have what we usually have tonight, and we can't let those two go in at the end. That hurts.”

— Erik Gudbranson, Defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to bounce back quickly as they face the Boston Bruins on Sunday, less than 24 hours after their loss to the Sharks. Bowness will need to find a way to get his team's legs back under them for the crucial matchup against a tough Bruins squad.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' loss to the Sharks exposed some concerning weaknesses in their game, particularly their lack of physicality and inability to generate scoring chances. As they fight to maintain their playoff position, the team will need to rediscover the 'nasty' and 'grease' that Bowness has been seeking in order to regain their earlier form.