The Blue Jackets are reeling after being swept March 28-29 by the San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins in a rare weekend back-to-back at Nationwide Arena.
More Blue Jackets news: Columbus Blue Jackets playoff tracker: Toss a coin now
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They’ve lost three straight games, four of their last five, and next host the Carolina Hurricanes, the Metropolitan Division’s top team. The Hurricanes return March 31 looking to avenge a 5-1 loss March 17 at Nationwide Arena, so the Jackets’ path to the playoffs gets even tougher.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets prepare their shamrock headbands prior to the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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See highlights from Columbus Blue Jackets vs Carolina Hurricanes game
The Columbus Blue Jackets prepare their shamrock headbands prior to the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Fans in St. Paddy’s Day garb await the NHL hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) passes around defenseman Zach Werenski (8) during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Fans cheer during the first period of the NHL hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) is examined after taking a high stick during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) scores a goal during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) congratulates left wing Mason Marchment (17) after a goal during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Teammates celebrate a goal by Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Fans celebrate a Columbus Blue Jackets goal during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) collides with Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi (32) stops a shot from Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment (17) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Conor Garland (83) passes over Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets fans cheer during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets fans wear St. Paddy’s Day garb during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger (4) skates up ice during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
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Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Conor Garland (83) reaches for the puck during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on March 17, 2026.
“We know Carolina’s a great hockey team, but one of the best 60-minute games since I’ve been here was our last game against Carolina,” Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness said after losing to the Bruins via shootout. “Now, they’re a proud team and they’re going to come in here and try to prove that wasn’t their team, and it’s going to be up to us to fight through it and show them that we are just as good as they are, if not better.”
The Blue Jackets have lost players to injuries in three straight games, starting with defenseman Damon Severson (upper body) on March 26 in Montreal, followed by power forward Dmitri Voronkov (hand) against San Jose and power forward Mathieu Olivier (upper body) versus Boston.
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) skates past Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten (93) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena on March 29, 2026.
Severson and Olivier have played major roles in the Jackets’ climb from last in the Metro and Eastern Conference since Bowness took over for Dean Evason on Jan. 12 in a mid-season coaching switch. Voronkov had sunk to a depth role coming out of the NHL’s break in February for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but he’s scored 17 goals this season and is another big forward who’s unavailable.
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The Blue Jackets are dangling off the edge of the East’s playoff cliff at 88 points in 74 games, just two points ahead of the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers. Columbus desperately needs points with just eight games left, so this is another key matchup for the Jackets.
Read below for more information on how to watch the Blue Jackets’ rematch against the Hurricanes.
The Blue Jackets host the Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. March 31 at Nationwide Arena.
Blue Jackets right wing Conor Garland skates around Hurricanes defenseman Mike Reilly on March 17.
Streaming: Hulu, ESPN+
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Fans can watch the Blue Jackets-Hurricanes game on the streaming services Hulu and ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. on March 31 at Nationwide Arena. Each service has apps that can be purchased with monthly, seasonal and annual subscription plans. They can also be purchased in bundle offers. The game will be broadcast on the radio at WBNS The Fan 97.1 FM.
Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How to watch Columbus Blue Jackets vs Carolina Hurricanes