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Bruins storm back with wild third period to beat Blue Jackets in shootout
Boston overcomes three-goal deficit to earn signature comeback victory
Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:07am
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The Boston Bruins rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the third period to force overtime and eventually beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in a shootout. Pavel Zacha scored two goals in the third to lead the comeback, while Charlie McAvoy also found the back of the net. The Bruins outshot the Blue Jackets 13-4 in the second period but couldn't break through until the final frame.
Why it matters
This game highlighted the Bruins' resilience and ability to mount a comeback, a trait that could prove crucial as they push for a playoff spot with just eight games remaining in the season. The win also demonstrated the team's depth, with secondary scoring coming up big when the top players struggled early on.
The details
After a sluggish first period that saw the Blue Jackets jump out to a 3-0 lead, the Bruins came alive in the third. Zacha scored twice, including the game-tying goal with just 11 seconds left in regulation, to erase the deficit. McAvoy also found the back of the net, while the Bruins' power play finally broke through in the third period after struggling earlier in the game. In the shootout, Charlie Coyle and Viktor Arvidsson scored for their respective teams to decide the outcome.
- The Blue Jackets jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the end of the first period.
- The Bruins outshot the Blue Jackets 13-4 in the second period but couldn't find the back of the net.
- Zacha scored two goals in the third period to bring the Bruins back, including the game-tying goal with 11 seconds left in regulation.
- The game went to a shootout, where Coyle and Arvidsson scored the deciding goals.
The players
Pavel Zacha
The Bruins forward scored two goals in the third period to lead the comeback effort.
Charlie McAvoy
The Bruins defenseman scored a goal in the third period to help erase the three-goal deficit.
Jet Greaves
The Blue Jackets goaltender made numerous key saves to keep his team in the game, including six in overtime.
Charlie Coyle
The Bruins forward scored the decisive goal in the shootout to give his team the victory.
Viktor Arvidsson
The Blue Jackets forward scored the tying goal in the shootout to force extra rounds.
What they’re saying
“We never gave up, even when we were down 3-0. That's the kind of resilience this team has shown all season, and it paid off tonight.”
— Pavel Zacha, Bruins Forward
“That was a tough one to swallow, but you have to give the Bruins credit for battling back. We had our chances to put them away, but they just kept coming at us.”
— Boone Jenner, Blue Jackets Forward
What’s next
The Bruins will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, with just eight games remaining in the regular season. Their next game is against the New York Rangers on April 2nd.
The takeaway
The Bruins' ability to mount a dramatic third-period comeback against a tough opponent like the Blue Jackets demonstrates the team's resilience and depth. This signature win could provide a much-needed boost as Boston fights to secure a postseason berth in the final weeks of the season.
