Hurricanes Score 3 in 3rd to Defeat Blue Jackets, Reach 100 Points

Ehlers' go-ahead goal and two assists lead Carolina to victory over Columbus

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:36am

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The Carolina Hurricanes scored three goals in the third period, including the go-ahead tally from Nikolaj Ehlers, to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 and reach 100 points on the season. Ehlers had a goal and two assists, while Andre Svechnikov and Jordan Martinook also scored for the Hurricanes, who lead the Metropolitan Division. The Blue Jackets' Kirill Machenko and Adam Fantilli scored to tie the game earlier, but Columbus dropped its fourth straight.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes' victory extends their lead atop the Metropolitan Division and puts them at the 100-point mark, a significant milestone in the NHL regular season. Meanwhile, the struggling Blue Jackets have now lost five of their last six games, putting their playoff positioning in jeopardy.

The details

Carolina opened the scoring with power-play goals from Shayne Gostisbehere and Logan Stankoven in the first period. Columbus answered in the second when Machenko scored after a video review overturned the initial no-goal call. Fantilli tied it early in the third, but Ehlers put the Hurricanes back in front with a wrist shot midway through the period. Svechnikov scored on the ensuing power play, and Martinook added an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

  • The Hurricanes scored three goals in the third period on March 31, 2026.
  • Carolina reached the 100-point mark on the season with the win.

The players

Nikolaj Ehlers

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored the go-ahead goal and had two assists in the win.

Andre Svechnikov

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a power-play goal in the third period.

Kirill Machenko

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored a goal in the second period.

Adam Fantilli

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the game-tying goal early in the third period.

Brandon Bussi

The goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who made 23 saves in the win.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out strong in the third period and that's exactly what we did. Ehlers made some great plays to help us take the lead and then we were able to close it out.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes

“It's tough to lose another close one like that, but we have to regroup and get ready for the rematch on Thursday. We had our chances, we just couldn't capitalize when it mattered most.”

— Brad Larsen, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

The Hurricanes and Blue Jackets will face off again on Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Raleigh.

The takeaway

Carolina's comeback victory showcases their offensive firepower and resilience as they continue to lead the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, Columbus' recent struggles have put their playoff positioning in jeopardy, underscoring the importance of their upcoming rematch against the Hurricanes.