Sharks score late to beat Blue Jackets, 3-2

Igor Chernyshov's two goals, including the game-winner with 1:25 left, lift San Jose over Columbus.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:54am

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The San Jose Sharks rallied from an early deficit to beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Saturday. Igor Chernyshov scored twice for the Sharks, including the go-ahead goal with 1:25 remaining in the game. Macklin Celebrini also scored for San Jose, which snapped a six-game losing streak and moved within four points of Nashville for the second Western Conference wild-card spot.

Why it matters

The win was a crucial one for the Sharks as they try to climb back into playoff position in the Western Conference. Columbus, despite the loss, maintained its hold on the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

The details

Columbus struck first, taking a 1-0 lead just 31 seconds into the game on a wrist shot from defenseman Denton Mateychuk. That was the fastest goal of the Blue Jackets' season. San Jose tied it late in the first period when Chernyshov scored off a neutral-zone turnover. Columbus regained the lead in the second period on a goal by Cole Sillinger, but Celebrini tied it early in the third with a power-play goal. Chernyshov then scored the game-winner with 1:25 left.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Columbus scored the fastest goal of its season just 31 seconds into the game.
  • Chernyshov tied the game for San Jose late in the first period.
  • Sillinger put Columbus back in front in the second period.
  • Celebrini tied the game for San Jose early in the third period.
  • Chernyshov scored the game-winning goal for San Jose with 1:25 remaining.

The players

Igor Chernyshov

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored two goals, including the game-winner with 1:25 left.

Macklin Celebrini

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who scored a goal and had an assist.

Denton Mateychuk

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the team's first goal just 31 seconds into the game.

Cole Sillinger

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the team's second goal in the second period.

Elvis Merzlikins

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 33 saves in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to dig deep and find a way to win this one. The guys really stepped up in the third period and Igor came through with a huge goal at the end.”

— David Quinn, Head Coach, San Jose Sharks

What’s next

The Sharks will host the St. Louis Blues on Monday, while the Blue Jackets will host the Boston Bruins on Sunday.

The takeaway

This was a crucial win for the Sharks as they try to climb back into the Western Conference playoff race. The late heroics from Chernyshov showed the team's resilience and ability to win close games. For the Blue Jackets, the loss was disappointing but they remain in playoff position in the East.