Kastelic scores in 3rd period to lift Bruins over Blue Jackets 3-2, into first wild-card spot

Boston snaps five-game losing streak to move into playoff position, while Columbus falls further out of contention

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and gold representing the players, puck, and arena.The Bruins' hard-fought win over the Blue Jackets keeps their playoff hopes alive, while Columbus' fading postseason chances take another hit.Columbus Today

The Boston Bruins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Sunday, with Mark Kastelic scoring the game-winning goal in the third period. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Bruins and moved them into the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot, while the Blue Jackets fell further out of playoff contention.

Why it matters

This game had major playoff implications, as the Bruins were able to leapfrog the Blue Jackets in the standings and put themselves in a better position to clinch a postseason berth. The loss was a significant blow to Columbus' fading playoff hopes.

The details

Sean Kuraly had a goal and two assists for the Bruins, while Henri Jokiharju also scored. James Hagens, making his NHL debut, recorded an assist and a penalty for Columbus. Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli scored for the Blue Jackets, who went 0-for-3 on the power play.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Marchment scored to give Columbus a 1-0 lead at 3:59 of the first period.
  • Kuraly tied the game for Boston midway through the first period.
  • Jokiharju gave the Bruins a 2-1 lead with 18.6 seconds left in the second period.
  • Fantilli tied the game 1:27 into the third period.
  • Kastelic scored the game-winning goal for Boston with 9:38 remaining in the third period.

The players

Mark Kastelic

The Boston Bruins forward scored the game-winning goal in the third period to lift his team to victory.

Sean Kuraly

The Boston Bruins forward had a goal and two assists in the game.

Henri Jokiharju

The Boston Bruins defenseman scored a goal and recorded an assist.

Mason Marchment

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward scored the opening goal of the game.

Adam Fantilli

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to close out these close games if we want to make the playoffs. This one stings, but we'll regroup and come back stronger on Tuesday.”

— Adam Fantilli, Columbus Blue Jackets forward

“It was a big win for us to snap that losing streak and get back into a playoff position. The guys battled hard and we found a way to get it done in the end.”

— Mark Kastelic, Boston Bruins forward

What’s next

The Bruins will host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night, while the Blue Jackets will welcome the Washington Capitals to Columbus on the same evening.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the Bruins and Blue Jackets, with Boston's win keeping their playoff hopes alive while Columbus' loss dealt a significant blow to their postseason aspirations. The result underscores the importance of closing out close games in the NHL's competitive playoff race.