Blue Jackets Defeat Canadiens 5-2

Columbus keeps playoff hopes alive with strong performance at Bell Centre

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:18am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic motion and energy of a hockey game, with sharp planes of blue, red, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract visual.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and competition of a high-stakes NHL matchup between the Blue Jackets and Canadiens.Columbus Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets kept their Stanley Cup Playoff hopes alive on April 11, 2026, securing a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Charlie Coyle led the offensive effort for Columbus, scoring two goals, including a power-play goal.

Why it matters

The win marks only the second victory for the Blue Jackets in their last nine games, keeping them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the tight Metropolitan Division race. The loss drops the Canadiens to third place in the Atlantic Division, tying them with Tampa Bay but behind the division-leading Buffalo Sabres.

The details

Columbus established an early lead in the first period with goals from Boone Jenner and Coyle. The team continued its momentum into the second period, where Kirill Marchenko and Sean Monahan both found the back of the net. Jet Greaves anchored the defense for the Blue Jackets, making 20 saves to limit the Canadiens' opportunities. Montreal's scoring was led by Cole Caufield, who netted his 51st goal of the season, and Josh Anderson.

  • The game was played on April 11, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets have two games remaining in the regular season: April 12 against the Boston Bruins and April 14 against the Washington Capitals.
  • The Canadiens have two games left: April 12 at the New York Islanders.

The players

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team based in Columbus, Ohio, currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Montreal Canadiens

An NHL team based in Montreal, Quebec, currently in third place in the Atlantic Division.

Charlie Coyle

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored two goals, including a power-play goal, in the win.

Boone Jenner

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

Jet Greaves

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 20 saves to limit the Canadiens' opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“We had a great first period tonight and you give our veterans a lot of credit. They came through when we needed them the most. They did a fantastic job for us. Jet made the saves where he had to. That is probably one of the best games we've played all year, but that's how we've got to play.”

— Rick Bowness, Blue Jackets coach

“It definitely was probably our best 60 (minutes) since the last time we were here a couple of weeks ago. We needed to get back to it in order to get the result tonight.”

— Boone Jenner, Blue Jackets player

What’s next

The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Boston Bruins on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and will finish their season at home against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The Montreal Canadiens will visit the New York Islanders on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' victory keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the tight Metropolitan Division race, while the Canadiens' loss drops them to third place in the Atlantic Division, tied with Tampa Bay. Both teams have two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning.