Sam Reinhart's OT tally pushes Panthers past Blue Jackets

Florida rallies from 1-0 deficit to win third straight game

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:00am

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Sam Reinhart's power-play goal 2:20 into overtime gave the Florida Panthers a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night in Sunrise, Florida. Sam Bennett scored the tying goal for the Panthers in the third period, while Adam Fantilli had the lone goal for the Blue Jackets.

Why it matters

The win extends the Panthers' winning streak to three games as they continue to battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, saw their point streak reach eight games despite the loss.

The details

Reinhart scored the game-winner from a sharp angle below the left circle. Defenseman Mike Benning recorded his first NHL point with the second assist on the play. Columbus argued the penalty that led to the winning goal, a tripping call on Adam Fantilli that occurred 48 seconds into overtime. Bennett's power-play goal early in the third period tied the game at 1-1 after Fantilli had given the Blue Jackets the lead in the second period.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • Reinhart scored the game-winning goal 2:20 into overtime.
  • Bennett's game-tying goal came 1:28 into the third period.
  • Fantilli scored the Blue Jackets' lone goal with 6:59 left in the second period.
  • The game was scoreless through the first period.

The players

Sam Reinhart

Florida Panthers forward who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Sam Bennett

Florida Panthers forward who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Adam Fantilli

Columbus Blue Jackets forward who scored the team's lone goal in the second period.

Sergei Bobrovsky

Florida Panthers goaltender who made 30 saves in the win.

Elvis Merzlikins

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender who made 19 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been a little sluggish to start, but I'm proud of the way the guys battled back to get this win.”

— Paul Maurice, Florida Panthers Head Coach (therinklive.com)

“That was a tough call in overtime, but we had our chances and just couldn't find a way to get the extra point.”

— Brad Larsen, Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach (therinklive.com)

What’s next

The Panthers will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. The Blue Jackets will try to bounce back when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.

The takeaway

This was an exciting back-and-forth game that showcased the talent and competitiveness of both the Panthers and Blue Jackets. Florida's ability to rally from a one-goal deficit in the third period and then win it in overtime demonstrates their resilience and determination as they push for a playoff spot.