NHL

Columbus enters with a modest scoring pace and has needed strong goaltending support to stay competitive. The Blue Jackets have not been as sharp defensively, and their season shot differential is less favorable than Florida’s. At home, they can make games uncomfortable, but they have not shown the same finishing consistency as the Panthers. Florida continues to profile as the stronger two-way team, even while managing several injuries among key forwards. The Panthers still drive play well, create more volume offensively, and bring a better special-teams edge. That combination has been enough to keep them on the right side of results more often than not, and it gives them the better outlook here despite the road setting.
Florida should control enough of the matchup to win a lower-scoring game, with the Panthers’ stronger shot profile, better special teams, and better defensive numbers outweighing Columbus’ home-ice edge. The Blue Jackets can keep it close, but Florida’s deeper scoring structure and more complete team game give them the edge. Final score projection: Florida Panthers 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2.