Blue Jackets Defeat Panthers 4-2 in Key Playoff Push

Olivier scores twice as Columbus deals blow to Florida's postseason hopes

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Florida Panthers 4-2 on Thursday night, dealing another blow to the defending Stanley Cup champions' playoff hopes. Mathieu Olivier scored twice for the Blue Jackets, who are now within a point of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers, who are 10 points behind Boston for the last playoff berth, have lost four straight games on their current road trip.

Why it matters

This game is crucial in the Eastern Conference playoff race, as the Blue Jackets are trying to climb into a wild-card spot while the Panthers are in danger of missing the playoffs entirely after winning the Stanley Cup the past two seasons. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

Jet Greaves made 26 saves for the Blue Jackets, who also got goals from Ivan Provorov and Boone Jenner. Niko Mikkola and Sam Bennett scored for the Panthers, who pulled within one goal late in the third period before an empty-net goal by Olivier sealed the win for Columbus. The Blue Jackets were coming off back-to-back wins over the Rangers and Predators.

  • The game took place on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • Columbus has won three straight games and is now within a point of Boston for the final wild-card spot in the East.
  • Florida has lost the first four games of a road trip that ends Friday night in Detroit.

The players

Mathieu Olivier

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored two goals in the game.

Jet Greaves

The goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who made 26 saves in the win.

Niko Mikkola

A defenseman for the Florida Panthers who scored one of their two goals in the game.

Sam Bennett

A forward for the Florida Panthers who scored their second goal, pulling them within one late in the third period.

Jeff Petry

A 38-year-old defenseman for the Florida Panthers who was traded to the Minnesota Wild before the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to fight and find a way to get back into the playoff race. This was a tough loss, but we'll regroup and try to end this road trip on a high note.”

— Sam Bennett, Forward, Florida Panthers

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will host the Utah team on Saturday night as they continue their push for a playoff spot. The Panthers will look to end their four-game losing streak when they visit the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.

The takeaway

This game was a crucial one in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Blue Jackets gaining ground on a wild-card spot while the defending champion Panthers are in serious danger of missing the postseason entirely. The outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the NHL and the importance of every game down the stretch.