Kings Edge Blue Jackets in Overtime Thriller, Playoff Implications Intensify

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Adrian Kempe scored his second goal of the game at 3:34 into overtime, lifting the Los Angeles Kings to a 5-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night at Nationwide Arena. The win propels the Kings closer to a Western Conference wild-card spot, while the Blue Jackets continue their pursuit of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Kempe’s Decisive Goal

Kempe’s game-winning slap shot from the left circle completed a back-and-forth contest. The goal was his second of the night, proving crucial for the Kings.

Game Recap

The Kings initially built a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Scott Laughton and Artemi Panarin. Columbus responded, tying the game in the second period on goals from Connor Garland and Denton Mateychuk. Kempe briefly regained the lead for Los Angeles, but Garland’s second goal of the night gave the Blue Jackets a 4-3 advantage.

Brian Dumoulin scored for the Kings, and Kirill Marchenko tied the game with a power-play goal with 1:56 remaining in regulation, forcing the overtime period.

Playoff Picture

With the victory, the Kings (as of March 9, 2026) moved within one point of the Seattle Kraken in the race for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. The Blue Jackets (74 points) gained a point in the standings but remain two points behind the Boston Bruins and three points behind the Latest York Islanders for playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Pittsburgh Penguins by four points for second in the Metropolitan Division and the Montreal Canadiens by four points for the East’s first wild card.

Key Performances

• Adrian Kempe (Kings): Two goals, including the overtime winner.
• Connor Garland (Blue Jackets): Two goals, his first two goals with the Blue Jackets since being traded from the Vancouver Canucks on March 6.
• Kirill Marchenko (Blue Jackets): One goal, tying the game late in the third period.
• Artemi Panarin (Kings): One goal.

Injury Update

Columbus defenseman Erik Gudbranson left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury and did not return.

Upcoming Schedule

The Kings will continue their road trip, visiting the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets will travel to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Tuesday.

Sources: USA Today, ABC7 Los Angeles, Los Angeles Today, Los Angeles Times