Sharks' Chernyshov scores late winner to edge Blue Jackets

San Jose stays in playoff hunt with 3-2 victory in Columbus

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:16am

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Igor Chernyshov scored the game-winning goal with 1:25 left in the third period to lift the San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Macklin Celebrini had a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who snapped a six-game losing streak and remain in contention for a Western Conference wild card spot. Denton Mateychuk and Cole Sillinger scored for the Blue Jackets, who have lost three of their last four games but still hold a strong position in the Eastern Conference wild card race.

Why it matters

This late-season matchup between two teams fighting for playoff positioning in their respective conferences had major implications for the postseason picture. The Sharks' victory keeps them in the hunt for a wild card spot in the West, while the Blue Jackets' loss, despite their overall strong season, tightens the race in the East.

The details

Chernyshov scored the game-winner after Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith set him up for a one-timer from the left face-off dot. Celebrini had tied the game earlier in the third period with a power-play goal. Denton Mateychuk and Cole Sillinger scored for the Blue Jackets, who got 33 saves from Elvis Merzlikins.

  • The game was played on March 29, 2026.
  • Mateychuk scored just 31 seconds into the game to give the Blue Jackets an early 1-0 lead.
  • Chernyshov tied the game at 1-1 at the 17:17 mark of the first period.
  • Sillinger put the Blue Jackets back on top 2-1 at 12:09 of the second period.
  • Celebrini tied the game 2-2 just 57 seconds into the third period.
  • Chernyshov scored the game-winning goal with 1:25 left in regulation.

The players

Igor Chernyshov

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored two goals, including the game-winner, in the victory over the Blue Jackets.

Macklin Celebrini

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored a goal and recorded an assist in the win.

Will Smith

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who had two assists in the game.

Denton Mateychuk

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

Cole Sillinger

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored a goal in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us in the playoff race, so it's great to get the win and keep ourselves in the hunt.”

— Igor Chernyshov, Sharks forward

“It's tough to lose a close one like that, but we'll regroup and get ready for the next one. We're still in a good position in the standings.”

— Cole Sillinger, Blue Jackets forward

What’s next

The Sharks will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the Blue Jackets will aim to bounce back and maintain their position in the Eastern Conference wild card race.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth game between two teams fighting for postseason positioning showcased the intensity and importance of late-season matchups as clubs jockey for playoff berths. The Sharks' ability to rally late and secure the victory could prove crucial in their quest to reach the playoffs, while the Blue Jackets' loss, despite their overall strong season, serves as a reminder that the race for wild card spots remains highly competitive.