Coyle scores twice, Blue Jackets stay in playoff hunt with 5-2 win over Canadiens

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Defenceman Noah Dobson exited in the second period after blocking a Zach Werenski slap shot with his left hand. Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov also went to the dressing room in the third when he was hit headfirst into the boards by Werenski, but he returned later in the period.

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Montreal (104 points) fell from second to third in the Atlantic Division behind Tampa Bay (104 points), which holds the regulation-wins tiebreaker over the Canadiens. The Buffalo Sabres lead the division at 106 points with two regular-season games remaining for all three teams.

The Blue Jackets jumped out to a 2-0 lead Saturday before the game was six minutes old.

Jenner got it started in just 73 seconds, sliding home a backhand. Coyle then doubled the lead at 5:42 when he finished off a tic-tac-toe play.

Anderson capitalized on a net-front pass from Jake Evans to respond at 11:48 in the first period, giving the Canadiens life until Marchenko ripped a shot over Dobes’ shoulder 1:24 into the second.

Monahan put the Blue Jackets ahead 4-1 at 10:36 in the middle frame after a turnover from defenceman Jayden Struble.

Caufield beat Greaves from a sharp angle on the power play 3:58 into the third period, but Coyle restored the Blue Jackets’ three-goal lead on the man advantage at 9:59.

Takeaways

Blue Jackets: On top of the early goals, Columbus registered eight shots just 3:18 into the game, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Canadiens: Will hope Dobson’s injury is not severe with the playoffs starting in one week.

Key moment

Marchenko set up Coyle for his second of the night to give Columbus a commanding 5-2 lead.

Key stat

Montreal captain Nick Suzuki, with an assist on Caufield’s goal, moved within one point of becoming the first Canadien to hit 100 since Mats Naslund in 1985-86.

Up next

Blue Jackets: Host the Boston Bruins on Sunday.

Canadiens: Visit the New York Islanders on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2026.

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press