Bruins' Fourth Line Sparks Comeback Win in Columbus

Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic's physical play shifts momentum in Boston's favor

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:43pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of a hockey fight, with players' bodies fractured into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the emotional momentum shift created by physical play.The physical battles waged by the Bruins' fourth line sparked a comeback victory in Columbus, showcasing the emotional impact of hockey's unsung momentum shifters.Columbus Today

The Boston Bruins overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in a shootout on Sunday, thanks in large part to the efforts of their fourth-line players Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic. The two enforcer-style forwards engaged in physical altercations that seemed to galvanize the Bruins and turn the tide of the game, even though the team still trailed 3-0 shortly after the fights.

Why it matters

The Bruins' win highlighted the often overlooked but crucial role that fourth-line players can play in shifting momentum through physical play and leadership, rather than just statistical production. Jeannot and Kastelic's willingness to stand up to some of the league's toughest players inspired their teammates and helped Boston rally for the victory.

The details

In the second period, Jeannot dropped the gloves with Columbus defenseman Erik Gudbranson, and six seconds later Kastelic fought Mathieu Olivier, one of the NHL's most physical players. Though the Bruins still trailed 3-0 shortly after the fights, the tide had turned, and Boston dominated the final 45 minutes to force overtime and eventually win in a shootout.

  • The fights between Jeannot-Gudbranson and Kastelic-Olivier occurred in the second period.
  • The Bruins overcame a 3-0 deficit to force overtime and win 4-3 in a shootout.

The players

Tanner Jeannot

A fourth-line forward for the Boston Bruins who engaged in a fight with Columbus defenseman Erik Gudbranson, sparking a momentum shift in the game.

Mark Kastelic

A fourth-line forward for the Boston Bruins who fought Mathieu Olivier, one of the NHL's toughest players, shortly after Jeannot's fight, further igniting the Bruins' comeback effort.

Erik Gudbranson

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who fought Tanner Jeannot in the second period.

Mathieu Olivier

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who was described by Kastelic as 'one of the toughest, if not the toughest guy in the league' and fought Kastelic in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing was planned, no, it just happened.”

— Mark Kastelic, Boston Bruins forward

“It's easy to have a lot of courage when I see a guy like Tanner do what he did there.”

— Mark Kastelic, Boston Bruins forward

What’s next

The Bruins will look to continue their strong road play as they head out on a four-game trip, starting in Sunrise, Florida.

The takeaway

The Bruins' comeback win in Columbus highlighted the crucial but often overlooked role that fourth-line players can play in shifting momentum through physical play and leadership. Jeannot and Kastelic's willingness to stand up to some of the league's toughest players inspired their teammates and helped Boston rally for the victory, demonstrating the intangible impact these 'enforcers' can have.