Blue Jackets Stumble Late Against Bruins, Coach Bowness Demands More

Columbus blew a 3-0 lead in the third period, leading to a tough overtime loss against Boston.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:54am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets squandered a 3-0 lead in the third period against the Boston Bruins, eventually losing 4-3 in a shootout. Head coach Rick Bowness criticized his team's lack of aggression and selfishness with the puck, saying his young players have more to learn about playing hard at this time of year when games get tougher.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets are clinging to the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, with several teams close behind them in the standings. Blowing big leads late in games could prove costly as Columbus fights to secure a playoff berth.

The details

After building a 3-0 lead through two periods, the Blue Jackets allowed the Bruins to score three unanswered goals in the third period to force overtime. The game then went to a shootout, where Boston prevailed 4-3. Bowness criticized his team's lack of aggression and selfish play with the puck, saying his young players need to learn how to maintain intensity and discipline late in close games.

  • The Blue Jackets blew their 3-0 lead in the third period on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets' next game is on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The players

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who called out his team's lack of focus and discipline after their tough loss to the Bruins.

Sebastian Aho

The star forward of the Carolina Hurricanes, who the Blue Jackets will face in their next game.

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What they’re saying

“We got away from being aggressive, and we did, and I thought we got very selfish with the puck. Some of these guys, they've got a lot to learn about how to play in this League at this time of year. It gets harder and harder and harder, and we're going to keep reminding them and reminding them every day how hard it is to win at this time of year, and you just can't get away.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to bounce back on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 when they host the Carolina Hurricanes. A win would help them create some separation in the tight Eastern Conference Wild Card race.

The takeaway

This loss serves as a harsh reality check for the young Blue Jackets team, who still have more to learn about maintaining focus and intensity throughout close, high-stakes games late in the season. Bowness will need to continue emphasizing discipline and team-first play if Columbus wants to secure a playoff spot.