Bruins erase three-goal deficit in Columbus, win 4-3 shootout after frantic third-period rally

A late surge rewrote a game that appeared out of reach

The Boston Bruins produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of their season on Sunday, March 29, 2026, rallying from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in a shootout at Nationwide Arena. Boston scored three times in the third period, including a tying goal with 11 seconds left, before converting twice in the shootout to secure the extra point.

The win kept Boston in the Eastern Conference’s first wild-card position with 92 points after 74 games. Columbus, which earned one point in the shootout loss, remained in the playoff race with 88 points.

How the Blue Jackets built a 3-0 lead

Columbus controlled the opening period, striking three times and leaving Boston scoreless through 40 minutes. The Blue Jackets received goals from Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment and added a power-play goal from Charlie Coyle in the first period to take a 3-0 advantage. The second period ended without scoring, setting the stage for a decisive final 20 minutes.

Boston’s third period: two power-play goals and a late extra-attacker equalizer

The Bruins’ comeback began at 6:29 of the third period when Charlie McAvoy scored to make it 3-1. Boston narrowed the deficit again with a power-play goal from Pavel Zacha, cutting the margin to one and shifting momentum toward the visitors.

With 42 seconds remaining, Jenner was assessed a tripping penalty. Boston pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra skater and tied the game at 19:49 when Zacha scored his second power-play goal of the night, leveling the score 3-3 with 11 seconds left in regulation.

• Pavel Zacha: two power-play goals and an assist, including the tying goal with 11 seconds left
• Charlie McAvoy: one goal and one assist
• Viktor Arvidsson: three assists in the third period

Shootout decision and key goaltending numbers

After a scoreless overtime, Boston prevailed in the shootout. Viktor Arvidsson scored the deciding shootout goal, and Fraser Minten also converted for the Bruins. Swayman finished with 21 saves on 24 shots through overtime. Columbus goaltender Jet Greaves stopped 35 shots on 38 attempts before the shootout.

Boston’s comeback marked the ninth three-goal, third-period rally in franchise history, and the first such win since March 13, 2018.

Health and schedule notes

Columbus forward Mathieu Olivier left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury and did not return. The Bruins return to Boston to host the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, while the Blue Jackets remain at home to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.