On Thursday, the Columbus Blue Jackets traveled south to take on the Florida Panthers in the first of a three-game road trip. The Panthers had been disappointing to open the season, struggling despite their youth to a 4-6-1 record. The Panthers have struggled to do anything remotely resembling stopping the puck, including giving up 8 goals to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In roster news, Cam Atkinson missed the game as he recovered from his hip injury and an illness. Tyler Motte stayed in the lineup in Atkinson’s spot.