Kings Secure Overtime Victory Against Blue Jackets
The Los Angeles Kings won a thrilling game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, finishing 5-4 in overtime on March 9, 2026, at Nationwide Arena. The match featured a dramatic equalizer from Kirill Marchenko, who scored a power-play goal with just 1:56 remaining in the third period.
Brian Dumoulin was a standout for the Kings, contributing a goal and two assists. His performance was pivotal in securing the victory, especially as the Kings are currently three points behind a playoff spot with 20 games remaining in the season.
Conor Garland also made his mark for the Blue Jackets, scoring twice in the contest. Despite the loss, the Blue Jackets extended their point streak to six games, showcasing their resilience throughout the season.
The game was originally scheduled for January 26 but had to be postponed due to heavy snowfall from Winter Storm Fern. This added an extra layer of anticipation for fans eager to see the matchup.
Anton Forsberg was instrumental in the Kings’ win, making 28 saves, while the Blue Jackets struggled to capitalize on opportunities, including a four-minute power play early in the game where they failed to score.
Erik Gudbranson sustained an upper-body injury and did not return to the game, adding to the Blue Jackets’ challenges. Coach Rick Bowness expressed frustration, stating, “We’re scoring four goals, we should be winning games,” highlighting the team’s defensive struggles.
Adrian Kempe, reflecting on the game, noted, “I thought we played well. Good character win. Again, I think we needed this one bad,” emphasizing the importance of the victory for the Kings.
As the season progresses, the Kings are on a five-game road trip following this match, which will be crucial for their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have now lost six games in overtime this season, with a record of 5-9 in such situations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Gudbranson’s injury and how it may impact the Blue Jackets moving forward. The Kings will look to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip, while the Blue Jackets aim to bounce back in their next outing.
