Blue Jackets Top Canadiens, Stay Alive in Playoff Hunt

Coyle scores twice as Columbus keeps postseason hopes alive

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:09am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and clashing forces of a hockey game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives creating a sense of speed and intensity.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and energy of a high-stakes NHL matchup between the Blue Jackets and Canadiens.Columbus Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 on April 11, 2026, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Boone Jenner, Coyle, Kirill Marchenko, and Sean Monahan scored for the Blue Jackets, while Cole Caufield scored his 51st goal of the season for the Canadiens.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets have been struggling lately, going 2-6-1 in their past nine games. This win keeps them in the playoff hunt, while the Canadiens have been one of the top teams in the league this season.

The details

The Blue Jackets jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Jenner and Coyle. The Canadiens cut the deficit to 2-1 in the first, but the Blue Jackets extended their lead to 4-1 in the second period. Caufield scored a power-play goal in the third to make it 4-2, but Coyle added his second goal of the game to seal the 5-2 victory for Columbus.

  • The game was played on April 11, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets began their recent skid with a 2-1 loss at Montreal on March 26.

The players

Boone Jenner

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored the opening goal of the game.

Coyle

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored two goals in the game, including the game-winning goal.

Cole Caufield

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored his 51st goal of the season, becoming the first Canadiens player to score 50 goals in a season in 36 years.

Nick Suzuki

The Canadiens' center who recorded his 99th point of the season, the most by a Canadiens player in a season since Mats Naslund had 110 in 1985-86.

Noah Dobson

A defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens who left the game in the second period after being struck by a shot on the right hand.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty-one goals, that's a pretty special season. He's been a big part of our success this year.”

— Nick Suzuki, Canadiens Center

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on this win and continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Canadiens will try to bounce back from the loss as they aim to secure a high seed in the postseason.

The takeaway

This game showcased the offensive firepower of both teams, with the Blue Jackets finding a way to edge out the Canadiens and keep their playoff hopes alive. Caufield's 51st goal of the season was a bright spot for Montreal, as he continues to cement his status as one of the league's top young stars.