kings vs blue jackets

Kings vs. Blue Jackets: A Clash of Playoff Ambitions on the NHL’s Fringe

March 9, 2026 – Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
The Los Angeles Kings and the Columbus Blue Jackets square off in a pivotal Monday matinee matchup, with both teams locked in a battle for playoff positioning at the edge of the Western Conference wild-card race.

With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, this game carries heightened significance. The Blue Jackets enter with 73 points (31-25-4), holding a narrow lead over the Kings, who sit at 64 points (25-23-14). While neither team has officially clinched a postseason berth, both are actively vying to secure one of the final two spots in the Pacific Division or advance through the wild-card route.

Why This Game Matters

Playoff qualification remains within reach for both franchises. For the Blue Jackets, a victory could solidify their standing as a contender in a tightly packed Eastern Conference landscape—especially considering their last playoff appearance was during the truncated 2019–20 campaign due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Kings, despite being 9 points back, still control their own destiny with a manageable number of games left on their schedule.

This isn’t just another midweek NHL contest; it’s a referendum on momentum, coaching adjustments, and how each roster responds under pressure.

“We know what’s at stake,” said Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen during Saturday’s practice session. “Every point matters now. We’ve got to bring our best every night.”

For the Kings, head coach Todd McLellan emphasized the importance of consistency after a recent stretch that included a lopsided 6–1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

“We need to bounce back,” McLellan told reporters. “There are no excuses. We’re capable of playing better hockey than we did in that game.”

Recent Developments & Key Storylines

Injury Updates and Lineup Shifts

Both teams have faced minor setbacks leading into this matchup. The Kings are without top-six forward Anze Kopitar for at least the next week due to a lower-body injury sustained in Friday’s game against Ottawa. However, forward Adrian Kempe returned to action Sunday, providing a boost offensively.

On the Blue Jackets side, defenseman Erik Gudbranson is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body issue but is expected to play Monday. Goaltender Elmer Söderblom continues to start regularly, posting a .912 save percentage in his last five appearances.

Adjusting to New Roles

A notable subplot involves forward Trevor Zegras, who has seen increased ice time on the second line in Kopitar’s absence. His chemistry with center Alex Turcotte has sparked renewed offensive production—something the Kings desperately need.

Meanwhile, Columbus’s top pairing of Zach Werenski and Damon Severson remains steady, but third-line winger Kirill Marchenko is emerging as a consistent threat, tallying four goals in his last seven games.

Historical Context: Rivalry Without Tradition

Unlike storied rivalries such as Boston–Montreal or Detroit–Chicago, the Kings-Blue Jackets series lacks deep historical animosity. Yet, there’s a growing competitive tension between the two clubs, particularly since both entered the NHL together in 2000 and have often mirrored similar trajectories—struggling early, then rebuilding through draft capital and strategic acquisitions.

Their all-time record stands at 2–1 in favor of the Kings, though that includes a single win in Columbus dating back to 2018. Most recently, the Blue Jackets claimed a 5–3 victory at Nationwide Arena last January.

Still, recent trends suggest Columbus may hold home-ice advantage more convincingly this season. They’ve won six of their last eight home games, while the Kings are just 3–6–1 over their past ten contests—a slump that includes losses to teams currently below them in the standings.

Immediate Impact: Playoff Race Implications

Winning this game doesn’t guarantee anything, but losing could be fatal.

If Columbus secures two points, they extend their lead over the Kings to 11—effectively putting the Kings out of contention unless the Blue Jackets suffer multiple consecutive losses. Conversely, if Los Angeles wins, the gap shrinks to five points, keeping the race alive with 14 games remaining for the Kings and 13 for Columbus.

Moreover, this matchup serves as a litmus test for both teams’ ability to perform when the stakes are high. Historically, afternoon games—especially makeup contests like this one—tend to draw smaller crowds and less media attention, yet players often rise to the occasion regardless.

“It’s easy to get overlooked,” said Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner. “But we’ve been doing it all year. We don’t care about the spotlight. We want wins.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

After Monday’s game, both teams face a grueling stretch. The Kings embark on a five-game road trip through the Eastern Conference, visiting Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, and Toronto. That kind of travel and scheduling fatigue could test even the most resilient squads.

Columbus, meanwhile, returns home for three consecutive games against Metropolitan Division rivals before hitting the road again. Their ability to sustain defensive discipline will be crucial—they rank 22nd in penalty kill percentage (.789) this season, which could prove costly against a disciplined Kings power play that converts at 21.4% efficiency.

Expert Picks & Betting Insights

Sportsbooks currently list Columbus as a slight favorite (-135 moneyline), citing their stronger recent form and home-ice edge. The puck line sits at -1.5 for the Blue Jackets, suggesting oddsmakers expect them to dominate time of possession and limit high-danger chances.

However, the over/under for total goals is set at 5.5—a reflection of both teams’ tendency toward higher-scoring games. In their last five meetings, the average combined score is 6.2 goals per game, with only one contest ending under five total goals.

Final Thoughts

As the NHL enters its final homestretch, every shift counts. For the Kings and Blue Jackets, Monday’s matchup represents more than just another Tuesday—it’s a defining moment in their respective quests for October hockey.

Will Columbus continue its push toward its first playoff return in over half a decade? Or will Los Angeles demonstrate resilience and claw its way back into contention?

One thing is certain: in the unpredictable world of professional hockey, anything can happen when the lights go up and the puck drops.

Game Details:
📍 Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM ET
📺 Broadcast: ESPN, ABC, ESPN+
🎙️ Radio: LA Kings Radio Network / Blue Jackets Radio Network

Stay tuned for live updates, post-game analysis, and expert breakdowns following the conclusion of this must-watch showdown.