Boston Bruins defeat Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 at TD Garden, snapping seven-game winning streak

Columbus comeback bid falls short as Bruins strike late and seal win

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ seven-game winning streak ended Thursday night, February 26, 2026, with a 4-2 road loss to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The result tightened an already crowded Eastern Conference playoff picture, with both teams entering the matchup positioned in the wild-card race.

Columbus opened the scoring at 4:32 of the first period when Kirill Marchenko scored his 20th goal of the season, with assists credited to Mason Marchment and Adam Fantilli. Boston answered later in the period, tying the game at 1-1 on Viktor Arvidsson’s 15th goal at 15:51, assisted by Jonathan Aspirot.

The Bruins moved in front in the second period on a power-play goal from Morgan Geekie at 6:54. Geekie’s 33rd of the season was set up by David Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm, giving Boston a 2-1 lead heading into the third.

Key third-period sequence decides the outcome

Boston extended its advantage at 11:15 of the third period when Sean Kuraly scored, assisted by Tanner Jeannot, making it 3-1. Columbus responded quickly to narrow the gap: Fantilli scored at 13:45, with Marchment and Zach Werenski registering assists, cutting Boston’s lead to 3-2.

Columbus pushed for an equalizer late, but Boston closed out the game with an empty-net goal at 19:27 from Arvidsson—his second of the night (16th of the season)—assisted by Charlie McAvoy.

Shot volume favored Columbus, but Boston capitalized on key chances

Columbus finished with a 40-23 advantage in shots on goal, reflecting extended offensive-zone time and sustained pressure. Boston, however, converted efficiently and built separation through special teams and timely finishing.

• Final score: Bruins 4, Blue Jackets 2
• Shots on goal: Columbus 40, Boston 23
• Goal scorers (Columbus): Marchenko, Fantilli
• Goal scorers (Boston): Arvidsson (2), Geekie, Kuraly

Boston’s second-period power-play goal and two third-period strikes proved decisive after Columbus drew within one midway through the final frame.

For Columbus, the loss halted momentum built over seven consecutive victories prior to the league’s Olympic break. The Blue Jackets now turn to the next stretch of games with postseason positioning still in flux and little margin for extended slumps in the standings.