Blue Jackets Host Kings in Monday Matinee

Columbus looks to bounce back after tough OT loss to Utah Mammoth

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Los Angeles Kings in a Monday afternoon matchup, completing a four-game homestand. The Blue Jackets are coming off a tough 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on Saturday, where they let a late lead slip away. Head coach Rick Bowness was critical of his team's defensive lapses and lack of attention to detail in that game, which cost them a crucial point in the playoff race. The Blue Jackets currently sit three points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for the Blue Jackets as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. They'll be looking to bounce back from the disappointing loss to Utah and solidify their position in the standings. The Kings, meanwhile, are also in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, so this will be a key matchup between two teams jockeying for position.

The details

The Blue Jackets will be playing their second game with new trade deadline acquisition Conor Garland, who is expected to provide a boost to their offense. Columbus has points in 16 of their last 18 games, going 14-2-2 over that stretch, so they'll be looking to get back on track after the tough loss. The Kings, led by stars like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, will provide a tough test for the Blue Jackets' defense, which Bowness has said needs to improve.

  • The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The game was originally scheduled for January 26, 2026 but was postponed due to a blizzard that dumped a foot of snow on Columbus.

The players

Rick Bowness

Head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who was critical of his team's defensive lapses and lack of attention to detail in their previous game.

Mason Marchment

Forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who scored the game-tying goal in the third period against the Utah Mammoth.

Conor Garland

Forward acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline, who will be playing his second game with the team.

Anze Kopitar

Star forward for the Los Angeles Kings, who will provide a tough test for the Blue Jackets' defense.

Drew Doughty

Star defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings, who will also challenge the Blue Jackets' offense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We lost a point because we didn't pay attention to the details. We haven't defended as well since we've come out of the break as we were before the break. So yeah, we get a point, yeah, we've won games. I think we let a point slip there (against Utah) because of not paying attention to the details and not defending as well as we had earlier.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets (nhl.com)

“It's a good point. It's a good comeback. We really turned it on there in the third, and that's good to see. I mean, it's never easy to come back in this league and get that point. It's huge, but we put ourselves there and we're better than that.”

— Mason Marchment, Forward, Columbus Blue Jackets (nhl.com)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on their comeback effort against the Utah Mammoth and shore up their defensive play as they host the Los Angeles Kings. A win would be crucial as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This game is an important test for the resilient Columbus Blue Jackets, who have shown the ability to battle back but need to tighten up defensively if they want to solidify their position in the playoff race. A strong performance against the Kings could provide a much-needed boost as they look to catch the teams ahead of them in the standings.