The Florida Panthers defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in a game filled with tributes to Johnny Gaudreau. Sam Reinhart had a goal and two assists, Anton Lundell scored a goal and added an assist, and Spencer Knight made 35 saves for the Panthers. Dmitry Kulikov and Eetu Luostarinen also scored for Florida, who improved to 3-2-0 on the season.
The Blue Jackets, playing in their home opener, honored Gaudreau with pregame ceremonies dedicated to his life and career. Gaudreau, along with his brother, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in August. A banner was raised in Gaudreau’s memory, with his family and former teammates in attendance.
Despite the emotional tributes, the Blue Jackets were unable to secure a win. Cole Sillinger, Sean Monahan, and James van Riemsdyk scored for Columbus, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Panthers’ offensive firepower.
One key moment in the game was when Florida scored two quick goals in the second period to tie the game. Anton Lundell and Dmitry Kulikov found the back of the net within 1:37 of each other, shifting the momentum in the Panthers’ favor.
A standout player for the Panthers was Sam Reinhart, who now has four goals and four assists in the first five games of the season. His offensive contributions have been crucial for Florida’s success.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night, while the Blue Jackets will take on the Buffalo Sabres. It will be interesting to see how both teams bounce back from this emotional and hard-fought game.
Overall, the tribute to Johnny Gaudreau added a somber but meaningful element to the game, showcasing the tight-knit nature of the hockey community and the impact that players have both on and off the ice.
