Blue Jackets Host Hurricanes in ESPN+ Exclusive

Columbus looks to bounce back after tough weekend sweep at home.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Carolina Hurricanes on March 31 at Nationwide Arena in a game that will be broadcast exclusively on the ESPN+ and Hulu streaming platforms. The Blue Jackets are coming off a tough weekend where they were swept in a rare back-to-back home series against the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins.

Why it matters

This game represents an important opportunity for the Blue Jackets to get back on track after a difficult stretch, as they look to improve their standing in the competitive Metropolitan Division. The exclusive ESPN+ broadcast also highlights the growing prominence of streaming services in the NHL viewing landscape.

The details

The Blue Jackets will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses when they take on the Hurricanes, who are currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division. Columbus will need to shore up their defense and find more offensive production if they hope to take down the high-powered Hurricanes squad.

  • The game will take place on March 31, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets were swept in a back-to-back home series on March 28-29.

The players

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team based in Columbus, Ohio that competes in the Metropolitan Division.

Carolina Hurricanes

An NHL team based in Raleigh, North Carolina that competes in the Metropolitan Division.

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What they’re saying

“We need to come out with a lot more energy and urgency against Carolina. The last two games were unacceptable, and we have to respond with a much better effort.”

— Brad Larsen, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to bounce back against the Hurricanes, with the winner of this game gaining valuable ground in the tight Metropolitan Division playoff race.

The takeaway

This exclusive ESPN+ broadcast of a key Metropolitan Division matchup highlights the growing prominence of streaming services in the NHL viewing landscape, as teams like the Blue Jackets look to rebound from tough stretches and make a push for the postseason.