The Florida Panthers secured a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 20, 2025, at Nationwide Arena.
Aleksander Barkov scored the game-winning goal just 29 seconds into overtime, extending the Panthers' impressive run in the Atlantic Division. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made a spectacular performance, stopping all 25 shots he faced, marking his fifth shutout of the season and the 29th of his career. This win improves the Panthers' record to 42-24-3 and keeps them atop the division.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have faced a string of disappointments. They are now on a five-game losing streak and have been shut out in three of their last four contests. Their previous matchup against the Panthers on March 6 also ended in a 3-0 defeat. Under head coach Dean Evason, the Jackets are grappling with a significant offensive drought.
“It was a good game; a playoff-style game,” said Bobrovsky, reflecting on the intensity of the matchup. “We played hard and played a good game.” In a contest characterized by exceptional goaltending, neither side found the net during the first three periods.
The Panthers showed promise early, leading the shots tally in the first period with a 13-5 advantage. The initial period was marked by an aggressive approach from the Panthers, spearheaded by the line of Carter Verhaeghe, Barkov, and Sam Reinhart.
Despite their strong performance, the Panthers were unable to convert on their chances and faced penalty kills throughout the game. The Blue Jackets had opportunities as well, particularly when James van Riemsdyk hit the post in the first period. Bobrovsky’s steadfast performance kept the Panthers afloat during the middle period as he successfully saved all 12 shots fired at him.
As the game unfolded, the Jackets appeared to break through with a potential goal from Boone Jenner, but it was disallowed due to an illegal kick, maintaining the scoreless draw into overtime.
Overtime commenced with the Panthers still on a power play due to Kirill Marchenko's delay of game penalty, which proved critical. Barkov seized the moment, securing the win and sealing a valuable two points for Florida. “He kept us in the game and gave us the chance,” Barkov said of Bobrovsky’s crucial saves.
The Blue Jackets remain three points out of a playoff spot, trailing the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. Their recent performances are reminiscent of a prior losing streak earlier in the season when they struggled to find their form, prompting concerns among fans and management.
As Columbus heads to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 21, the Jackets will aim to end their scoring woes. They previously broke a long losing streak against the Pens in January but face an uphill battle given their recent struggles.
In related league news, the Rangers fell 4-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New Jersey Devils lost 5-3 to the Calgary Flames, and the Ottawa Senators were defeated 5-1 by the Colorado Avalanche. With playoff aspirations dwindling, every upcoming game presents a challenge for the Blue Jackets.
Will the Jackets be able to turn their season around against the Penguins? Only time will tell, but as they demonstrated against the Panthers, they are capable of competing at a high level, if only they can find ways to score.
The game showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, ultimately highlighting Bobrovsky's brilliance between the pipes and demonstrating the ongoing complexities of playoff-style hockey. For the Panthers, the path ahead looks promising, while the Blue Jackets are left searching for solutions as they prepare for their next critical matchup.
