Carolina Hurricanes dominated by Columbus Blue Jackets, 5-1

Canes struggle on the road against the Blue Jackets, falling behind early and unable to mount a comeback

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:49am

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The Carolina Hurricanes fell to the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 5-1 on Tuesday night. The Blue Jackets outshot the Canes 29 to 27 and capitalized on multiple power play opportunities, including two goals in the first period to take an early lead. Despite a goal from Andrei Svechnikov to cut the deficit to 2-1, the Blue Jackets pulled away with three more unanswered goals, including an empty-netter, to hand the Hurricanes their third consecutive loss.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Hurricanes, who were looking to build momentum after a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. The team struggled to generate offense and discipline issues led to several power play chances for the Blue Jackets, who were able to take advantage. This game highlights the Hurricanes' need to tighten up their play, especially on the road, as they look to solidify their position in the playoff race.

The details

The Blue Jackets jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period, with goals from Mason Marchment and Charlie Coyle on the power play. The Hurricanes were able to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period with a goal from Andrei Svechnikov, but the Blue Jackets responded with three unanswered goals, including a tally from Denton Mateychuk and an empty-netter from Mathieu Olivier, to seal the 5-1 victory.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The Hurricanes were coming off a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Brandon Bussi

The Hurricanes' starting goaltender, who struggled in the loss, allowing four goals on the first 20 shots he faced.

Seth Jarvis

The Hurricanes forward who was called for two double-minor high-sticking penalties in the game.

Mason Marchment

The Blue Jackets forward who scored the team's first goal to give them a 1-0 lead.

Andrei Svechnikov

The Hurricanes' star forward who scored the team's lone goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the second period.

Mathieu Olivier

The Blue Jackets forward who scored the team's fifth and final goal, an empty-netter, to seal the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must regroup and come out stronger against the Penguins tomorrow. This was a tough loss, but we have to put it behind us and focus on the next game.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes (Hurricanes team statement)

What’s next

The Hurricanes will look to bounce back quickly as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, March 19, 2026 at 7 PM.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the Hurricanes' need to maintain discipline and tighten up their defensive play, especially on the road, as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.