Rangers fall 1-0 in overtime to Blue Jackets as power play sputters

On Oct. 17, 2026 the New York Rangers fell 1-0 in sudden‑death overtime to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

The lone goal came from Kent Johnson in the extra period, sealing a defensive battle that had remained scoreless through regulation. Rookie goaltender Dylan Garand was instrumental in keeping the Rangers in contention, making a glove save on Adam Fantilli early in the first period and later stopping a wrap‑around attempt by Mathieu Olivier.

Garand’s performance extended into the second period, where he denied Columbus on two more Fantilli shots during a delayed‑penalty situation, and he later helped his team kill a late‑game penalty. His 30‑save effort was noted as a positive sign after a rough start to the season.

Offensive frustration defined the Rangers’ night. The team had three power‑play opportunities in the third period but failed to score, generating only four chances across those chances. The missed opportunities dropped the Rangers’ power‑play conversion rate to 20 percent for the season and to 1‑for‑11 since a Tuesday game against the Lightning.

Forward J.T. Miller expressed disappointment after the game, saying, “It sucks the power play can’t come up with one in the third. You get three cracks in the third. You’ve got to help the team right there.” Head coach Mike Sullivan echoed the sentiment, noting the expectation that the unit would produce a goal.

Defensively, the Rangers held their own, limiting the Blue Jackets to just one goal and finishing the night with a 93.5 percent penalty‑kill success rate, tied for second in the league. However, a prolonged 5‑on‑5 scoring drought, dating back to the second period of a previous game, underscored ongoing offensive challenges.

The loss marked the Rangers’ second straight road point after a 7-1 defeat at home earlier in the week, leaving them 1‑3‑0 to start the season. The win gives the Blue Jackets a morale boost as they look to build momentum in the Eastern Conference.

Columbus will look to capitalize on the victory in its next matchup, while New York hopes to rekindle its power‑play efficiency and offense ahead of upcoming games.