Blue Jackets Finish Road Swing at Playoff-Contending Montreal

Crucial Eastern Conference matchup with major postseason implications

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:34am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are wrapping up a road trip with a crucial matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, as both teams battle for playoff positioning in the tight Eastern Conference standings. The Blue Jackets are coming off a comeback win over the Philadelphia Flyers, rallying from a 1-0 deficit to win 3-2 and move into second place in the Metropolitan Division. With just 11 games left, every point is critical as the playoff race remains congested, with seven teams separated by just 4 points.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications, as the Blue Jackets and Canadiens are currently holding postseason spots but are part of a tight pack of teams vying for position in the Eastern Conference. The outcome could have a significant impact on the final standings and who makes the playoffs.

The details

After a poor first period against the Flyers, the Blue Jackets responded with a strong second and third period to secure the 3-2 victory. Defenseman Zach Werenski played a key role, setting up a goal and scoring one himself to lead the comeback. Head coach Rick Bowness praised the team's leadership and their ability to get back to playing their trademark defensive style hockey.

  • The Blue Jackets are finishing up a road trip with this game against the Canadiens on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • Columbus has 11 games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Rick Bowness

Head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who took over the team in mid-January.

Zach Werenski

Defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who had a goal and an assist in the comeback win over the Flyers.

Mathieu Olivier

Forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored a goal in the win over the Flyers.

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What they’re saying

“'You can probably guess what was said.' (about the team's poor first period)”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman

“'Listen, this is a very proud group. We know how bad we looked in the first period, let's put it that way. We have great leadership in that room. They took over, so we started to play Columbus Blue Jackets hockey in the second and third.'”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach

“'There hasn't been much separation all year. There still isn't. We have 11 games left. Every game is going to be critical, and every night, each team that you're fighting with, they're playing each other so someone's getting points.'”

— Zach Werenski, Defenseman

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to continue their strong play and secure a crucial win over the Canadiens on Thursday, March 26, 2026 as they battle for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets have shown resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity, a key trait for a potential playoff team. With the Eastern Conference standings so tight, every game down the stretch will be critical as teams jockey for postseason berths.