Blue Jackets Dominate Kraken 5-2

The Columbus Blue Jackets took a decisive 5-2 victory against the Seattle Kraken on March 21, 2026. A strong first period set the tone for the game, as the Blue Jackets quickly established a commanding lead that the Kraken struggled to overcome.

Big Picture

The Blue Jackets entered the matchup riding a wave of momentum, having gone 4-0-1 in their last five games. This performance solidified their positioning in the playoff race, pushing their season total to 84 points. Meanwhile, the Kraken, who have struggled recently with a 2-3-0 record, found themselves unable to capitalize on opportunities and fell further behind in the playoff hunt.

Turning Point

The game shifted dramatically in the first period. Danton Heinen opened the scoring for the Blue Jackets just 2:48 into the game. What followed was a flurry of offensive pressure from Columbus, resulting in two more goals within the period from Damon Severson and Mathieu Olivier. This early offensive explosion put the Kraken on their heels. Although Vince Dunn scored for Seattle shortly after, cutting the lead to 3-1, the Blue Jackets quickly regained control and never looked back. A critical moment came just after the Kraken's second goal in the second period, as Kent Johnson restored the Blue Jackets' two-goal cushion, keeping the momentum firmly in their favor.

Standout Performances

Several players shone brightly for the Blue Jackets. Zach Werenski was instrumental in the offense, recording assists on three of the five goals, showcasing his playmaking ability. Danton Heinen, Damon Severson, and Mathieu Olivier each contributed with goals, ensuring an impressive spread of scoring across the roster.

For the Kraken, Kaapo Kakko had a noteworthy game, not only scoring a goal but also providing the assist on Dunn's early score. However, overall offensive production fell short, highlighted by a significant number of giveaways (19) that stifled their chances to sustain pressure.

What It Means

This victory is a big boost for the Blue Jackets as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot, reinforcing their recent strong performances. With the playoffs looming, continued scoring depth and contributions from key players will be crucial.

For the Kraken, this game further highlights their struggles with consistency. They’ll need to regroup quickly and address their challenges, especially as they face the possibility of missing the playoffs if their performance does not improve. The road ahead looks challenging, and adjustments will be essential if they wish to remain competitive.