The Columbus Blue Jackets, fresh off their victory in Quebec over the Montreal Canadiens, returned to the friendly confines of Nationwide Arena to take on the Florida Panthers on the second night of their back to back.
The Panthers, one of the best teams in the NHL this season, had their sights set on two points to pad their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Blue Jackets were seeking a three game winning streak for the first time since Thanksgiving.
The Blue Jackets announced prior to the game that defenseman Jake Bean had a groin injury and would miss the next four weeks.