“We got away from being aggressive, and I thought we got very selfish with the puck,” said Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness following the team’s 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins on March 29, 2026, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
The game began with Boone Jenner scoring the first goal for the Blue Jackets at 6:17 of the first period, followed by Charlie Coyle’s power-play goal at 19:32, giving Columbus a 2-0 lead. Mason Marchment also contributed with a goal and an assist, putting the Blue Jackets in a strong position early in the game.
However, the Bruins, who had a record of 41-24-8 before the game, were not to be underestimated. They recorded their ninth three-goal, third-period comeback in franchise history, a feat they hadn’t achieved since March 13, 2018.
Charlie McAvoy ignited the comeback with a goal at 6:29 of the third period, followed by Pavel Zacha, who scored the game-tying goal with just 11 seconds remaining in regulation. Zacha’s goal marked his second of the game and his NHL-leading 13th goal in March.
Jeremy Swayman played a crucial role in the Bruins’ victory, making 21 saves, including 12 in the second period. His performance was pivotal in maintaining the Bruins’ momentum as they fought back from a 3-0 deficit.
Despite the loss, the Blue Jackets, who had a record of 38-24-12 prior to the game, showed resilience but ultimately fell short. Mathieu Olivier left the game due to an upper-body injury, adding to the team’s challenges.
David Pastrnak’s point streak ended at 12 games during this match, as he was unable to score. Meanwhile, Mason Lohrei did not play for the Bruins due to an upper-body injury.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with the Bruins aiming to maintain their momentum and the Blue Jackets seeking to bounce back from this tough loss.
