Sergei Bobrovsky blocked 25 shots, matching the NHL’s top spot with six shutouts, while Sam Reinhart found the net for his 54th goal as the Florida Panthers beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 on Thursday night.
“The team put in a lot of effort,” Bobrovsky commented. “Sometimes, these games can be challenging, but I think the team did an excellent job. They stuck to the game plan, played well, and generated a lot of scoring opportunities.”
Bobrovsky now shares the lead for shutouts this season with Arizona’s Connor Ingram and Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry, each with six. “We’re all thrilled for him,” said Vladimir Tarasenko. “He’s one of the top goalies globally, and he’s in great form.”
Matthew Tkachuk, Evan Rodrigues, and Tarasenko also contributed goals for the Panthers, who are now just one point behind the Boston Bruins, currently leading the Atlantic Division.
Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned with two assists after sitting out Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators for rest.
With one fewer game left in their schedule compared to Boston, Florida holds a 40-35 lead in regulation wins, which is the primary tiebreaker.
Jet Greaves faced a barrage of shots, making 42 saves for the Blue Jackets, who have secured the fourth-best odds in the NHL draft lottery.
