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Hurricanes Erupt Late to Pull Away from Blue Jackets
Carolina scores three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat Columbus
Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:10am
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The Carolina Hurricanes scored three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 on Tuesday night. Nikolaj Ehlers, Andrei Svechnikov, and Jordan Martinook found the back of the net for the Hurricanes, who rallied after the Blue Jackets had tied the game earlier in the period.
Why it matters
The win keeps the Hurricanes atop the Eastern Conference standings, while the Blue Jackets are clinging to the second wild-card spot in the East. This was an important divisional matchup with playoff implications, and the Hurricanes' late surge showed their ability to pull away from a tough opponent.
The details
The Hurricanes built a 2-0 lead in the first period with power-play goals from Shayne Gostisbehere and Logan Stankoven. But the Blue Jackets battled back, with Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli scoring to tie the game early in the third period. However, the Hurricanes took over from there, with Ehlers, Svechnikov, and Martinook all finding the net to secure the victory.
- The Hurricanes scored two power-play goals in the first period, with Gostisbehere scoring at 13:29 and Stankoven scoring at 16:12.
- Marchenko scored for the Blue Jackets at 15:14 of the second period to cut the deficit to 2-1.
- Fantilli tied the game for the Blue Jackets at 2:07 of the third period.
- Ehlers scored the go-ahead goal for the Hurricanes at 12:42 of the third period.
- Svechnikov added an insurance goal for the Hurricanes on the power play at 13:55 of the third period.
The players
Nikolaj Ehlers
Forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.
Andrei Svechnikov
Forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a goal and added an assist.
Kirill Marchenko
Forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored a goal and added an assist.
Adam Fantilli
Forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored a goal to tie the game in the third period.
Brandon Bussi
Goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who made 23 saves in the win.
What they’re saying
“We knew we had to step it up in the third period and that's exactly what we did. The guys showed a lot of character to come back and get the win.”
— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes
“It's tough to give up that lead, but we kept battling and found a way to get the two points. That's what matters most at this time of year.”
— Andrei Svechnikov, Forward, Carolina Hurricanes
What’s next
The Hurricanes and Blue Jackets will meet again on Thursday in Raleigh, North Carolina to complete the home-and-home series.
The takeaway
This game showcased the Hurricanes' resilience and ability to respond after blowing a two-goal lead. Their late-game surge demonstrated the depth and talent of the Eastern Conference leaders, who will look to build on this win as they continue their push for the playoffs.
