NHL

The Blue Jackets shook off a Panthers rally to win 5-4.

The Blue Jackets overcame a Panthers rally to spoil their opening night festivities by scoring two third period goals. Even though Florida out shot Columbus by nine, Joonas Korpisalo got the dub while making 37 stops. James Reimer made 27 saves on his night.

It seem that the ice conditions were not favorable as there were a lot of slips and trips. The BB&T Center was voted by the NHLPA as the worst ice in the NHL last season, so dissatisfaction with this rink is not uncommon.

Game Summary

1st period

Florida once again ran a five forward power play unit. It generated very few shots on goal and nearly set up costly turnovers. This is why defenseman exist.

Goal: 1-0 CBJ

Zach Werenski one-timed a shot from the point after a feed from Artemi Panarin during a 5 on 3 power play. It was Werenski’s first of the season.

Goal: 2-0 CBJ

Artemi Panarin scored on a breakaway after a costly turnover by Florida’s Keith Yandle. Panarin ripped it top shelf past James Reimer to extend their lead.

Goal: 2-1 FLA

Evgenni Dadonov tallied his first of the season during a 2-on-1 rush. Dadonov received a feed from Aleksander Barkov and ripped it past Joonas Korposalo.

Shots were 17-11 in favor of Columbus.

2nd period

Goal: 2-2 FLA

Aleksander Barkov lights the lamp with his first goal of the year. After Markus Nutivaara blew a tire, the Cats came in on a 3 on 1 rush. Dadonov fed Barkov on the wing and he found the back of the net.

Goal: 2-3 FLA

Troy Brouwer cashes in with his first goal as a Florida Panther. Brouwer deflected in a shot from the point from Mark Pysyk.

Goal: 3-3 CBJ

Anthony Duclair nets his first of the season as a power play goal. Duclair blasted in from the top of the wing after a feed from Panarin.

Goal: 3-4 FLA

Nick Bjugstad found the back of the net for the first time this season. It came from a beautiful tic-tac-toe play from Yandle to Dadonov to Bjugstad.

Shots were 33-22 in favor of Florida.

3rd period

Goal: 4-4 CBJ

Boone Jenner netted his first of the year after a shot from the wide left wing. It was deflected by Yandle in front of Reimer and squeaked between his pads.

Korpisalo decided to transform into a brick wall with flashy saves on Yandle and Johnathan Huberdeau.

Goal: 5-4 CBJ

Cam Atkinson finds the loose change on a down Reimer. The goal would be challenged for goaltender interference but the call stood.

Final shots on goal were 41-32 in favor of Florida.

The Road Ahead

Columbus

Columbus will travel to Tampa on Saturday to take on the powerful Tampa Bay Lightning on October 13 at 7:00 pm.

Florida

Florida will stay at home Saturday to take on the rising Vancouver Canucks on October 13 at 7:00 pm.

Social Media

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Photo Credit

Photo Courtesy of Aaron Dawson