On Thursday, the Columbus Blue Jackets traveled south to take on the Florida Panthers in the first of a three game road trip. The Panthers had been disappointing to open the season, struggling despite their youth to a 4-6-1 record. The Panthers have struggled to do anything remotely resembling stopping the puck, including giving up 8 goals to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
First Period
Florida opened the game on the front foot, bossing Columbus all over the ice and eventually taking a 1-0 lead behind a goal from Mark Pysyk. Two Josh Anderson goals eventually drew the CBJ into the lead after 20 minutes as he was the only Jacket razor sharp to open this one.
Second Period
A McCoshen goal. A Hannikainen goal. A shorthanded goal by Vincent Trocheck. A power play and even strength goal from Oliver Bjorkstrand. A scuffle that saw Brandon Dubinsky assessed a bunch of penalty minutes. A 5-3 lead for Columbus after 40.
Third Period
Goals from Tyler Motte and Boone Jenner brought this one home.
FINAL
Columbus Blue Jackets 7 Florida Panthers 3