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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
When do the Columbus Blue Jackets play today?
The Blue Jackets host the Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. March 31 at Nationwide Arena.
What networks will show Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes?
Streaming: Hulu, ESPN+
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
Reporting by Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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