Considering their recent run of success against the Blue Jackets, a visit to Columbus might be what the Florida Panthers need to get back on track following consecutive rough outings.
While dealing with a potential health issue to another key performer, the visiting Panthers try to avoid a third straight defeat Tuesday night against the host Blue Jackets.
Florida went 2-0-2 in its first four games, then was outscored 9-4 while losing to Minnesota and Buffalo in regulation. During a 5-3 loss Monday to the Sabres, the Panthers got a pair of power-play goals from Sam Reinhart after recording one through the first five contests. But Florida also yielded two while Buffalo had the man-advantage.
“The best news is that we’ve got another chance (to be better Tuesday),” said Reinhart, whose first points of the 2026-27 season Monday leave him as the franchise’s all-time leader with 85 power-play goals.
Meanwhile, Florida’s Jacob Markstrom stopped nine of the 11 shots he faced Monday, before giving way to Akira Schmid to start the second period. According to Panthers coach Paul Maurice, Markstrom, 2-1-1 with a 2.03 goals-against average on the young season, “just tightened up, so we pulled him.”
“(We think) there’s no injury there,” Maurice added.
Florida is already minus injured offensive stars Aleksander Barkov (knee) and Brad Marchand (lower-body injury).
While it remains to be seen if Markstrom can play Tuesday, Schmid has yielded seven goals in the two games he has played this season for the Panthers, who have won 18 of their past 21 meetings versus Columbus.
However, the Blue Jackets have earned at least one point in each of the last four versus Florida, and snapped an 0-6-3 series rut with a 4-2 victory on March 5, in their most recent matchup at home.
Columbus has alternated wins and losses through its first four games. The Blue Jackets hope to continue that trend after falling 5-3 at St. Louis on Saturday.
They led 2-0 after one period, then broke down by allowing three goals in the second. Cole Sillinger scored early in the third to tie things, but Columbus allowed the Blues to go ahead for good.
“Every little detail of the game matters,” said Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan, who has a goal with an assist on the young season.
“Hockey, you can talk all you want. It’s about actually doing it.”
Sillinger has two goals and four points for Columbus. Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski has recorded four assists for Columbus, which has split its first two home games of 2026-27.
Werenski has posted just two points in his last 11 games versus Florida.
Jet Greaves has a 3.69 goals-against average while 1-2-0 this season. He made 26 saves during the Blue Jackets’ March home win over Florida.
Veteran backup Cam Talbot, meanwhile, stopped 20-of-22 shots during Columbus’ 3-2 home shootout win over Pittsburgh on Friday to set an NHL record by recording a victory with his ninth different team.
Reinhart has notched six goals and 18 assists in the last 11 games versus Columbus. Teammate Brady Tkachuk, who recorded his first point as a Panther on Monday, has six goals with four assists in his last 11 games against the Blue Jackets — all with Ottawa.
–Field Level Media
