The Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Boston Bruins 4-3 in a shootout at Nationwide Arena on March 30, after the Bruins erased a three-goal deficit with a strong third-period comeback.
The game was significant for both teams as Boston extended its lead over Columbus for the first wild card spot into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. The loss marks four defeats in five games for Columbus, while Boston has won five of its past six matches.
Pavel Zacha led the Bruins with two goals and an assist, including tying the game with just 11 seconds left in regulation. “It says it all about our team we’ve got this year,” Boston coach Marco Sturm said. “The guys chipped in; the guys gave it up for each other.” Charlie McAvoy contributed a goal and an assist, and Viktor Arvidsson added three assists. Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves for Boston and stopped both Blue Jackets shooters in the shootout.
For Columbus, Mason Marchment recorded a goal and an assist, Boone Jenner scored his 800th NHL game goal, and Charlie Coyle added another tally. Kirill Marchenko had two assists while Jet Greaves made 35 saves. Despite leading by three goals late in the second period, Columbus could not hold off Boston’s surge.
Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness said of his team’s performance: “We got away from being aggressive, and we did, and I thought we got very selfish with the puck… It gets harder and harder and harder, and we’re going to keep reminding them every day how hard it is to win at this time of year.” Coyle also commented on maintaining focus: “They’re going to come and push… but it’s up to us… just to stay on it. We can’t be turning the puck over like that.”
Boston achieved its ninth three-goal third-period comeback in franchise history during this match. For individual milestones, McAvoy set a new career high for points in a season with 57; Jenner played his milestone NHL game; Mathieu Olivier left due to injury and will be evaluated further.
