The Florida Panthers (30-28-3, 63 points) face the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-8, 70 points) in an Eastern Conference matchup at Nationwide Arena. The Panthers, two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, are struggling with a three-game losing streak and sit outside the playoff picture (15th in the East, 8th in the Atlantic Division), 10 points behind the second wild card. The Blue Jackets are surging (9-1-1 in their last 11), holding fourth in the Metropolitan Division and pushing for a playoff spot. Columbus has home-ice advantage and momentum, while Florida battles injuries and offensive inconsistency. Florida leads the season series 1-0.
Venue Location
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Injury Report
Florida Panthers:
- Aleksander Barkov (C): Out for the season (knee – torn ACL/MCL).
- Seth Jones (D): Injured Reserve / Out (upper body; expected back at least March 6).
- Jonah Gadjovich (LW): Injured Reserve / Out (upper body).
- Cole Schwindt (RW): Injured Reserve / Out (lower body).
Columbus Blue Jackets:
- Brendan Smith (D): Out (leg – torn meniscus).
- Boone Jenner (C): Day-to-Day (undisclosed / lower body; expected to return).
- Zach Werenski (D): Questionable / Day-to-Day (illness).
- Dante Fabbro (D): Questionable / Day-to-Day (undisclosed).
- Jet Greaves (G): Day-to-Day (undisclosed; left prior game but starter projected for this matchup).
Key Player Matchups
This inter-divisional clash highlights Columbus’ hot secondary scoring against Florida’s depleted forward group and defense.
- Matthew Tkachuk (FLA, LW) vs. Zach Werenski (CBJ, D): Tkachuk remains Florida’s offensive engine despite the slump (key in recent games). If Werenski plays (questionable), his elite skating and puck-moving will challenge Tkachuk’s physicality and net-front presence.
- Adam Fantilli (CBJ, C) vs. Florida’s Depleted Defense: Fantilli is on a four-game goal streak (7 points in five-game point streak), exploiting gaps. Florida’s blueline (missing Jones) must contain his speed and finishing.
- Sam Reinhart (FLA, RW) vs. Daniil Tarasov / Jet Greaves (CBJ, G): Reinhart provides secondary scoring for Florida. Columbus’ goaltending (Greaves projected despite day-to-day) faces a Panthers attack averaging ~2.95 GPG but struggling lately.
- Kirill Marchenko (CBJ, RW) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA, G): Marchenko’s playmaking tests Bobrovsky (.873 SV% this season in limited starts), who needs strong play to stem Florida’s slide.
Other notables: Sean Monahan (CBJ) vs. Florida’s penalty kill for short-handed threats; Florida’s bottom-six forwards vs. Columbus’ depth lines.
Recent Team Forms
Florida is 2-8-0 in their last 10, on a three-game skid. Columbus is hot at 7-2-1 in their last 10 (9-1-1 in 11).
Florida Panthers Last 10 Games (approx. 2-8-0, negative differential):
- Mar 3: @ NJD L 1-5
- Mar 1: vs NYI L (recent loss)
- Feb 27: vs BUF L
- Feb 26: @ TOR L
- Recent trends show defensive lapses and low scoring (e.g., 1 goal in latest).
Columbus Blue Jackets Last 10 Games (7-2-1, positive differential):
- Mar 3: vs NSH W 3-2
- Mar 2: @ NYR W 5-4
- Feb 28: vs NYI L 3-4 OT
- Feb 26: @ BOS L 2-4
- Strong third-period rallies and goaltending support wins.
Series History
The Panthers and Blue Jackets have met frequently, with Florida holding a strong all-time edge (28-16-0-10). In recent seasons, Florida dominated 2024-25 (3-0-0).Recent dominance favors Florida:
- Panthers lead 2025-26 series 1-0 (7-6 OT win on Dec 6, 2025).
- Panthers 1-0 in last meeting this season.
- Overall, Panthers have won recent matchups, but Columbus’ current form shifts momentum.
Betting Trends
- Total: Florida games hit over 6.5 in ~51% this season; Columbus allows ~2.95 GA/G.
- Key Trends: Blue Jackets strong at home (16-8-5). Over trends in recent CBJ games with high-scoring affairs. Panthers 2-8 SU in last 10; CBJ 9-1-1 in 11.
Game Odds
Florida Panthers 6.5
Columbus Blue Jackets – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, March 4, 2026
