Zachary Bolduc scored the deciding goal in the third period as the Montreal Canadiens won 2-1 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bell Centre on March 27. The win marked Montreal’s third straight victory and ended a long goal drought for Bolduc, who had not scored since December.
The result is significant for both teams as they fight for playoff positions late in the season. Montreal moved two points ahead of Boston in the Atlantic Division and closed to within four points of Tampa Bay, while Columbus remains tied for third in their division.
Bolduc’s goal came at 4:36 of the third period with a shot over goalie Jet Greaves’ right shoulder after taking a pass from Jake Evans. “It was a little bit of a relief and I’m super happy that we got out of this game with a win,” Bolduc said. He also assisted on Jayden Struble’s first goal since November, helping to end Struble’s own scoring drought. “(Bolduc)’s another one who hasn’t got one in a while so I feel super happy for him,” Struble said. “Obviously game-winner, and a huge goal for our season too. You know, coming down the stretch it’s very important.”
Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobes made 25 saves to secure the win. Evans commented on adapting to tougher games late in the season: “If you look at our schedule, we play a lot of good teams or teams that are pushing for the playoffs… it’s going to be tighter games, harder games, and I think we’re adapting right now pretty well.” Damon Severson scored Columbus’ only goal before leaving due to an upper-body injury; coach Rick Bowness said an update would come later but noted Severson is an important part of their team.
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner praised both goaltenders’ performances: “I think we played a really good game tonight… We created a bunch, we just weren’t able to get that second one.” Bowness added about his team’s effort: “We certainly played well enough to get that game into at least overtime and get a point… But as I told the guys after, ‘You play 10 more games like that, I really like our chances.’”
Several notable streaks ended during this match: Juraj Slafkovsky’s three-game scoring run stopped along with Nick Suzuki’s seven-game streak and Cole Caufield’s six-game point streak.
As both teams continue their push toward postseason play, attention will turn toward how injuries such as Severson’s may affect lineups moving forward.
