| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBJ | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MTL | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Canadiens beat Blue Jackets 2–1 at Bell Centre on March 26, 2026.
The Montreal Canadiens secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 26, 2026. The decisive goal came in the third period, allowing Montreal to hold on for the win in a game that was truly a battle for playoff positioning.
Both teams entered this matchup with a mix of momentum and pressure. The Canadiens were looking to shake off a shaky 2-3-0 record in their last five games, while the Blue Jackets rode a wave of success with a 4-1-0 stretch. With only one point separating them in the standings, every game was critical for both franchises, making this contest even more significant.
Montreal came out strong, with their young defenseman Jayden Struble opening the scoring early in the first period. However, the Blue Jackets responded quickly, finding the equalizer just a few minutes later, showcasing both teams' determination to compete fiercely.
The game's turning point occurred in the third period when Zachary Bolduc found the back of the net at 4:36. Bolduc's goal not only gave the Canadiens the lead but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favor. Columbus struggled to regain control after this moment, despite outshooting Montreal overall. The Canadiens successfully executed their defensive strategies to maintain their lead, particularly in the latter part of the final frame.
Jayden Struble made an immediate impact for Montreal with his opening goal, which set the tone for the Canadiens early on. Meanwhile, Zachary Bolduc stepped up as a critical offensive contributor by scoring the decisive goal later in the game, showcasing his potential as a key player for Montreal's future.
On the defensive side, the Canadiens were bolstered by a solid team performance, which included 17 blocked shots, highlighting their commitment to team defense. For the Blue Jackets, Damon Severson not only scored their lone goal but also demonstrated his ability to step up in a tough situation.
Although neither goaltender registered any standout individual achievements worthy of note, the defensive efforts overall were key in ensuring this wasn't a high-scoring affair.
This win is vital for the Canadiens as they continue to climb the standings, improving their record to 90 points. They can take some momentum into their upcoming games, which are critical as the season draws to a close. For the Blue Jackets, the loss stings, particularly after a solid stretch of play. They will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the playoff race.
Overall, this game was a showcase of resilience from the Canadiens who managed to claim victory in a tightly contested matchup. It highlights key players who can step up significantly when it matters most as both teams continue their battle for a playoff spot.
Canadiens won 2–1.
The final score was Blue Jackets 1, Canadiens 2.
Damon Severson.
Jayden Struble, Zachary Bolduc.
Jet Greaves made 18 saves on 20 shots (.900 save percentage).
Jakub Dobes made 25 saves on 26 shots (.962 save percentage).
At Bell Centre in Montréal, the Canadiens home rink.
Season series tied 1–1 after 2 games.
Have a different question? Ask the Oracle — it answers from this season's box scores.