Blue Jackets Ride Momentum to Victory Over Panthers

Columbus takes down Florida in a close matchup between two playoff-contending teams.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:22pm

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The Columbus Blue Jackets traveled to Sunrise, Florida to take on the Florida Panthers in a crucial late-season matchup between two playoff-contending teams. The Blue Jackets came in riding strong momentum after controlling the previous meeting between the two teams just a week ago, while the Panthers were looking to bounce back at home. In a close and competitive game, the Blue Jackets were able to come away with a 4-2 victory over the Panthers.

Why it matters

This game was an important one in the Eastern Conference playoff race, as both the Blue Jackets and Panthers are fighting for positioning. The Blue Jackets' victory allows them to maintain their strong momentum and solidify their spot in the playoff picture, while the Panthers' loss is a setback in their effort to stay alive in the postseason hunt.

The details

The Blue Jackets were led by a balanced offensive attack, with defenseman Zach Werenski driving play from the blue line and forward Kirill Marchenko providing a consistent scoring threat. The Panthers relied heavily on the play of forward Sam Reinhart, who leads the team in points, goals, and assists. Goaltending was a key factor, with the Blue Jackets' Jet Greaves providing steady play in net, while the Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky had an uneven performance. Discipline also played a role, as the Panthers' physical style led to extra time in the penalty box, which the Blue Jackets were able to capitalize on.

  • The Blue Jackets and Panthers met just a week ago, with Columbus controlling that previous matchup.
  • This game took place on March 12, 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

The players

Zach Werenski

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who leads the team in points and drives the offensive attack from the blue line.

Kirill Marchenko

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who has been the team's most reliable goal scorer this season.

Sam Reinhart

A forward for the Florida Panthers who leads the team in points, goals, and assists and is the Panthers' most dependable offensive threat.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The starting goaltender for the Florida Panthers, whose uneven performance this season has been a concern for the team.

Jet Greaves

The starting goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has provided steady performances in net and helped the team's defense.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a talented Panthers team, but our guys came out with a lot of energy and really controlled the pace of play. Zach and Kirill were huge for us tonight, and Jet made some big saves when we needed them.”

— Brad Larsen, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets (Columbus Dispatch)

“We just couldn't seem to find our rhythm tonight. Sergei didn't have his best stuff, and we took too many penalties that let them take control. We'll need to regroup and come out stronger in our next game.”

— Andrew Brunette, Head Coach, Florida Panthers (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to continue their strong play as they push for a playoff spot, while the Panthers will need to bounce back quickly to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Blue Jackets' offensive balance and defensive consistency as key factors in their victory, while the Panthers struggled with discipline and uneven goaltending. The result underscores the importance of momentum and recent form in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.