Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena: Did the Cats’ third-period push meet Jet Greaves and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ empty-netter?

Florida Panthers moved to 30-29-3 and 2 points, and the Columbus Blue Jackets improved to 32-21-8 and 4 points after a 4-2 finish at Nationwide Arena. The Cats generated 28 shots and 19 hits, while the Jackets matched 28 shots and added an empty-net goal to separate late in this Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets recap.

First period

The Florida Panthers were held scoreless in the opening period as the Blue Jackets scored 1 goal on 1st-period scoring. The Cats’ team line showed 15 giveaways and 3 takeaways in the game data, while Columbus logged 13 giveaways and 3 takeaways. Florida finished the night at 48 percent on faceoffs, and Columbus posted 52 percent in the same circle work that shaped early possession.

Second period

The Panthers’ power play produced 1 goal on 3 opportunities, and the Blue Jackets’ power play matched it with 1 goal on 3 opportunities as special teams stayed even on the scoreboard. Florida recorded 7 power-play shots and won 80 percent of its power-play faceoffs, while Columbus put up 6 power-play shots and won 100 percent of its power-play draws. The Jackets carried the middle period by scoring 1 goal, and Florida’s goaltending line finished with 24 saves against 27 shots, including 5 shorthanded saves that mattered during penalty-kill sequences.

Third period

The Panthers scored 2 goals in the third period after being held to 0 goals through 2 periods, and that push defined the Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets turning point as the margin tightened. Sam Bennett led Florida’s individual scoring line with 1 goal on 4 shots, and Niko Mikkola added 1 goal on 2 shots as the Cats found offense at even strength and on the man advantage. Aaron Ekblad delivered 2 assists, and Sam Reinhart contributed 1 assist on 4 shots as Florida’s puck movement created late looks in the Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets key moments. Columbus answered with 2 third-period goals, including 1 empty-net goal, and the game’s three stars list featured Ivan Provorov, Mathieu Olivier, and Jet Greaves as the Jackets closed out the result. Florida ended at 7 percent shooting, Columbus finished at 14 percent shooting, and the Jackets’ 20 blocked shots stood against Florida’s 6 in a Florida Panthers vs Columbus Blue Jackets tactical recap.

Florida’s next game is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT on 3/6/2026 as the Florida Panthers visit the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and the broadcast listings include ESPN+, FDSDET, and SCRIPPS. Catch the next one on the listed networks and share this article with other Cats fans looking for the full game breakdown.