Blue Jackets Lose Fifth Straight, Fall Out of Playoff Spot

Carolina Hurricanes clinch playoff berth with 5-1 win over Columbus

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into abstract shapes and angles, conveying the fast-paced intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes clash between the struggling Blue Jackets and the playoff-bound Hurricanes.Columbus Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost 5-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes, extending their losing streak to five games and knocking them out of a playoff spot. Logan Stankoven scored two early goals for the Hurricanes, who also got short-handed and third-period tallies to clinch a playoff berth for the eighth straight season under coach Rod Brind'Amour.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' struggles have them falling out of playoff position, while the Hurricanes continue to solidify their status as a perennial postseason contender in the Metropolitan Division.

The details

Carolina jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, with Stankoven scoring twice and Alexander Nikishin adding a short-handed goal. Denton Mateychuk scored for Columbus in the second period, but Jordan Martinook quickly restored the Hurricanes' three-goal advantage. Frederik Andersen made 9 saves for Carolina, which allowed just 10 shots on goal - matching a franchise low.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Hurricanes have now clinched a playoff berth for the 8th straight season under coach Rod Brind'Amour.

The players

Logan Stankoven

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored two goals in the first period to help his team clinch a playoff spot.

Rod Brind'Amour

The head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, who has led the team to the playoffs in each of his 8 seasons at the helm.

Denton Mateychuk

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored his team's lone goal in the loss.

Frederik Andersen

The goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who made 9 saves in the win.

Jordan Staal

The captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, who played in his 1,400th career NHL game.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to find ways to win games and get back into a playoff position.”

— Denton Mateychuk, Blue Jackets Forward

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to end their losing streak when they host the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. The Hurricanes will also be at home on Saturday, facing the New York Islanders.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' struggles have them falling out of a playoff spot, while the Hurricanes continue to solidify their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. This game highlighted the gap between the two franchises, with Carolina's depth and experience proving too much for the struggling Blue Jackets.