Goals 1st2nd3rdF
🐯 NSH 1102
🧥 CBJ 1023

Predators at Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets beat Predators 3–2 at Nationwide Arena on March 3, 2026.

🗓 📍 Nationwide Arena, Columbus 🏒 2025-26 🔁 Season series tied 1–1
⚔️ Head-to-head

⭐ Three stars

Best games by the box score
1st star 🧥 CBJ
Charlie Coyle
1 G
6 shots · 22:11 TOI
2nd star 🧥 CBJ
Sean Monahan
1 G
3 shots · 19:29 TOI
3rd star 🧥 CBJ
Adam Fantilli
1 G
1 shots · 16:58 TOI

🚨 Scoring

5 goals · in order
1st period
🧥 Adam Fantilli Go-ahead 1st · 14:23
0–1
🐯 Filip Forsberg PP Tying 1st · 19:32
1–1
2nd period
🐯 Ryan O'Reilly Go-ahead 2nd · 14:39
Unassisted · beat Jet Greaves
2–1
3rd period
🧥 Sean Monahan SH Tying 3rd · 01:52
Unassisted · beat Justus Annunen
2–2
🧥 Charlie Coyle Go-ahead 3rd · 06:07
2–3

📝 Game recap

AI

Blue Jackets Edge Predators in a Thrilling 3-2 Matchup

The Columbus Blue Jackets clinched a narrow 3-2 victory against the Nashville Predators on March 3, 2026. The game was decided in the third period as the Blue Jackets rallied to take the lead, showcasing their resilience and determination on home ice.

Big Picture

This matchup was a classic contest, featuring two teams vying for crucial points in the standings. The Blue Jackets jumped out to an early lead but faced a determined comeback from the Predators. Despite falling behind in the second period, Columbus displayed tenacity, ultimately converting two crucial goals in the third to secure the win. The game, which was tightly contested throughout, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and capitalizing on opportunities.

Turning Point

The decisive moment came in the third period with two quick Blue Jackets goals. After Sean Monahan tied the game early in the period at 2-2, Charlie Coyle delivered the eventual game-winner just a few minutes later. This rapid succession of goals captivated the home crowd and shifted the momentum irrevocably in favor of Columbus. The Predators struggled to respond, failing to capitalize on their own chances in the final frame.

Standout Performances

Several players made significant contributions in this closely fought contest. Adam Fantilli opened the scoring for the Blue Jackets with a well-placed shot in the first period, assisted by Kirill Marchenko and Mason Marchment. Filip Forsberg's late-period equalizer for the Predators demonstrated his playmaking capability, with assists from Steven Stamkos and Luke Evangelista.

In addition, Sean Monahan's crucial goal in the third period highlighted his ability to come through under pressure. And let's not forget Charlie Coyle, who not only scored the game-winning goal but also played a pivotal role in maintaining offensive pressure throughout the match.

What It Means

This victory adds vital points to the Blue Jackets' standings, enhancing their playoff aspirations as the season heads towards its final stretch. The win also illustrates the team’s resilience, showing they can fight back after losing their lead. For the Predators, this loss raises questions about their defensive strategies and ability to protect leads. As the season progresses, both teams will need to refine their play if they wish to secure a spot in the postseason.

In summary, it was a compelling game full of intensity and momentum shifts, with the Blue Jackets emerging victorious to delight their home fans.

🧩 Lines & pairings

Estimated from ice time
🐯Predators
L1 Forsberg · Haula · Evangelista 20:43
L2 O'Reilly · Stamkos · Marchessault 18:28
L3 Bunting · Jost · Wood 13:20
L4 L'Heureux · Smith · Wiesblatt 7:38
D1 Josi · Skjei 24:49
D2 Hague · Perbix 20:30
D3 Blankenburg · Barron 14:02
🧥Blue Jackets
L1 Coyle · Monahan · Marchenko 19:29
L2 Marchment · Fantilli · Sillinger 16:55
L3 Heinen · Johnson · Olivier 15:10
L4 Voronkov · Wood · Lundestrom 8:39
D1 Provorov · Gudbranson 23:56
D2 Severson · Mateychuk 20:08
D3 Fabbro · Zamula 13:19

📊 Team stats

Away left · home right
🐯NSH CBJ🧥
25 Shots on goal 27
1/2 Power play (goals / chances) 0/4
12 Hits 14
16 Blocked shots 16
6 Takeaways 4
15 Giveaways 12
8 Penalty minutes 4
NSH shooting 8.0% (2/25) CBJ shooting 11.1% (3/27)

🥅 Goaltending

Saves, shots faced and save percentage
🐯Predators
24/27
.889 SV% · 3 GA · 57:49 TOI
🧥Blue Jackets
21/23
.913 SV% · 2 GA · 51:44 TOI
2/2
1.000 SV% · 0 GA · 08:16 TOI

🗺 Where the goals came from

5 of 5 goals located
Adam Fantilli · 1st 14:23 · 0–1 Filip Forsberg · 1st 19:32 · 1–1 Ryan O'Reilly · 2nd 14:39 · 2–1 Sean Monahan · 3rd 01:52 · 2–2 Charlie Coyle · 3rd 06:07 · 2–3
NSH CBJ
The net is on the right for both teams. Hover a dot for the goal.

🔮 Period by period

AI
After 1st — 1–1
Predators
Predators — tied after 1st: 15-5-4 (62% win rate, 24 games)
Blue Jackets
Blue Jackets — tied after 1st: 6-7-5 (33% win rate, 18 games)
After 2nd — 2–1
Predators
Predators — leading by 1 goal after 2nd: 4-1-3 (50% win rate, 8 games)
Blue Jackets
Blue Jackets — trailing by 1 goal after 2nd: 1-7 (12% win rate, 8 games)
🔮 Ask Puckey

Got a question about Predators vs Blue Jackets?

Records, streaks, splits and player numbers, answered in seconds from real game results.

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❓ NSH vs CBJ, answered

Who won Predators vs Blue Jackets on March 3, 2026?

Blue Jackets won 3–2. The final score was Predators 2, Blue Jackets 3.

Who scored for Predators?

Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly.

Who scored for Blue Jackets?

Adam Fantilli, Charlie Coyle, Sean Monahan.

How did the Predators goalie play?

Justus Annunen made 24 saves on 27 shots (.889 save percentage).

How did the Blue Jackets goalie play?

Jet Greaves made 21 saves on 23 shots (.913 save percentage).

Where is Predators vs Blue Jackets played?

At Nationwide Arena in Columbus, the Blue Jackets home rink.

What is the Predators vs Blue Jackets season series?

Season series tied 1–1 after 2 games.

Have a different question? Ask the Oracle — it answers from real box scores.