Florida Panthers @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 4/1/23 Game Recap

Both the Panthers and Blue Jackets would come out flying in this game. However, the Panthers would quickly gain the goal-scoring advantage. With a goal from S. Reinhart at 12:03 and C. Verhaeghe at 17:29, the Panthers would take a 2-0 lead into Period 2. 

A quick shot from C. Verhaeghe just 0:18 into the second 20-minute period tonight would put the Panthers up 3-0. Then, C. Verhaeghe would tack on his third of the evening, giving himself a Hat Trick in Nationwide arena. That goal would come at 6:34 and put his Panthers up 4-0. We'd carry this score into Period 3 and the final 20 minutes of regulation. 

On a stunning 49 Panther shots on goal, Hutchinson did manage to stop 42. For being under attack, he didn't do that bad, honestly. 

The Panthers would pour on the gravy in the final period of this game, scoring three more goals. N. Cousins would score at 8:34, C. Verhaeghe would score at 11:18, and E. Steal would score at 14:16. These three additional goals would take the Panthers to a 7-0 Shutout win. Ouch. This was a bit expected, given we have nearly an entire team of starters out. The Blue Jackets are putting the "skeleton" in "skeleton team." Does the loss hurt? Yes. Am I surprised? No. There were just too many illnesses and injuries. That said, for how much adversity this team has been through, they have impressed me at times this season. Who knows, maybe they will tomorrow evening as we welcome the Senators to Nationwide Arena! The puck drop is set for 6:00 PM. We'll talk then, 5th Line!

Go CBJ! 

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