Hurricanes Defeat Blue Jackets 5-2 in Columbus

In a decisive matchup, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 at Nationwide Arena. The victory improved the Hurricanes' record to 48-21-6, while the Blue Jackets fell to 38-26-12. This game was significant as it marked the fourth meeting of the season between the two teams, with Carolina now leading the series 3-1.

The Hurricanes came into the game with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, despite a recent loss to the Montreal Canadiens, which ended a brief winning streak. They averaged 3.4 goals scored and 3.3 goals allowed during this stretch. In contrast, the Blue Jackets had struggled recently, going 5-5 in their last ten games and on a three-game losing streak. They averaged 2.8 goals scored and 2.1 goals allowed at home, which showcased their defensive strength, although their recent form had seen them average just 1.8 goals scored over the last five games.

At home, the Blue Jackets had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Hurricanes were also 3-2 in their last five away games. This fixture was particularly noteworthy given that Columbus had previously defeated Carolina 5-1 on March 17, 2026, but the Hurricanes had also won earlier in the season by scores of 4-1 and 7-4.

In terms of injuries, the Blue Jackets were missing key players Elvis Merzlikins and Isac Lundestrom, while the Hurricanes were without Eric Robinson and Seth Jarvis. These absences undoubtedly impacted both teams' strategies and performance.

The betting odds from DraftKings indicated that Carolina was favored at -130, with a spread of 1.5 and a total set at 6.5. The over was priced at -105, while the under was at -115. The moneyline for the Blue Jackets was set at +110.

The game started with the Hurricanes taking an early lead, as Shayne Gostisbehere scored the first goal at 1:23 of the first period, assisted by Nikolaj Ehlers and Andrei Svechnikov. Logan Stankoven followed up with another goal for Carolina at 9:47, making it 2-0. The Blue Jackets responded in the second period with a goal from Kirill Marchenko at 2:45, narrowing the gap to 2-1.

The third period saw an exciting exchange of goals. Adam Fantilli tied the game for Columbus at 6:12, but Carolina quickly regained control with a goal from Nikolaj Ehlers at 10:25, followed by another from Andrei Svechnikov at 12:39. Jordan Martinook capped off the scoring for the Hurricanes with a goal at 19:00, solidifying the 5-2 victory.

Overall, the game showcased Carolina's offensive prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Blue Jackets struggled to maintain their defensive form amidst their recent challenges.