Mason Marchment Hat Trick Leads Columbus Blue Jackets Past Tampa Bay 8-5

Columbus, Ohio — Mason Marchment scored three times as the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 8-5 on Saturday, ending Tampa Bay’s 15-game streak without a regulation loss and delivering one of the most dominant first-period performances for the franchise in two decades.

Columbus scored four goals in the opening frame, its highest total since March 15, 2003. Cole Sillinger opened the scoring at 5:47 off a neutral-zone turnover. Tampa Bay responded quickly when a deflected clearing attempt by Jet Greaves resulted in a goal credited to Jake Guentzel, extending his point streak against Columbus to 17 consecutive games. Adam Fantilli broke a 17-game scoring drought with a rebound goal later in the period.

Marchment’s second-period tally, scored six seconds after leaving the penalty box, gave Columbus a lead they would not relinquish. Charlie Coyle scored his 200th career goal and added two assists, while Sean Monahan and Dmitri Voronkov each contributed goals. Zach Werenski recorded two assists, marking his 15th career multi-assist period and tying Rick Nash for the franchise lead. Goaltender Jet Greaves made 24 saves to secure the win.

Tampa Bay fought back with contributions from Guentzel, Nikita Kucherov, Anthony Cirelli, and Brandon Hagel, but the Lightning could not overcome Columbus’ explosive offense. Kucherov led Tampa Bay with a goal and three assists. Erik Cernak exited the game after a first-period hit by Mathieu Olivier, and Charle-Edouard D’Astous left late in the third after a collision at the blue line.

The victory gives Columbus momentum heading into Monday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, while Tampa Bay will look to rebound at home against the Utah team. This result demonstrates the Blue Jackets’ scoring depth and resilience, highlighting Marchment’s emerging impact and the continued playmaking ability of Werenski and Fantilli.

Columbus now showcases one of the league’s top high-paced offenses over recent games, combining veteran leadership and youthful talent, while Tampa Bay faces a critical test to regain stability after their longest regulation loss streak since the 2021 season.