APRIL 19, 2021 vs. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
BB&T Center | 7:00 P.M. ET
Television: Bally Sports Florida
Radio: 560 WQAM| 640 WMEN | 100.3 WCTH | 107.9/1370 WZTA | SIRIUSXM CH. 219/STREAMING CH. 932
PANTHERS vs. BLUE JACKETS
ALL-TIME vs. CBJ: 15-14-10
ALL-TIME ROAD vs. CBJ: 6-10-5
2020-21 vs. CBJ: 5-0-1
TEAM STATS
| FLORIDA (28-12-5) | COLUMBUS (15-22-9) | |
| GOALS FOR | 142 (9th most) | 112 (26th most) |
| GOALS AGAINST | 121 (T-14th fewest) | 151 (T-28th fewest) |
| POWER PLAY % | 21.9 (T-11th) | 13.7 (28th) |
| PENALTY KILL % | 80.0 (14th) | 78.6 (19th) |
| SHOTS FOR PER-GAME | 34.0 (2nd most) | 28.8 (25th most) |
| SHOTS AGAINST PER-GAME | 30.2 (16th fewest) | 31.8 (27th fewest) |
| 5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % | 51.9 (10th) | 46.2 (30th) |
| FACEOFF WIN % | 50.1 (16th) | 45.9 (30th) |
CATS STATS
- Florida has won each of its last four matchups against CBJ and have won five of their six contests through the season series (5-0-1). Through the six games vs. CBJ, MacKenzie Weegar leads the Panthers with eight points (1-7-8), while five different Panthers have scored three goals (Barkov, Hornqvist, Vatrano, Verhaeghe, Wennberg).
- Former Blue Jacket Alex Wennberg recorded his first career hat trick on April 3 vs. CBJ, while former CBJ goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky owns a 4-0-0 record in 2020-21 against his old club, posting a .921 save percentage. He registered a season-high 44 saves in his last matchup against CBJ (April 3). Chris Driedger posted a shutout against CBJ on April 4.
- Aleksander Barkov has produced a team-leading five goals and eight points (5-3-8) over his last eight games since returning from injury. Since returning to the lineup for Florida on April 3 vs. CBJ, Barkov owns a 57.1 faceoff win percentage. The 25-year-old native of Tampere, Finland, leads FLA in goals (18) and shots on goal (143), while ranking tied for first on the club in points (45) and ranking second on FLA in assists (27), even-strength goals (13) and even-strength points (30).
- Barkov owns a team-best 54.1 faceoff win percentage and 58.9 5v5 shot attempt percentage, while averaging 21:17 TOI per game, the most among all FLA forwards. He is two goals shy of his sixth consecutive season with at least 20 goals.
- Jonathan Huberdeau ranks tied for first on FLA in points (45) and tied for third in goals (15), while ranking first on the club in assists (30) and powerplay points (18). He has registered points in each of his last three games (1-2-3). With his goal on April 17 at TBL, Huberdeau notched his 27th career even-strength point against TBL, passing Olli Jokinen (26) for the most even-strength points recorded by a Panthers player against TBL in franchise history.
- Anthony Duclair enters tonight’s game on a three-game point streak (2-1-3) since returning to the lineup on April 13 at DAL, after missing six games due to injury. The 2020 NHL All-Star has produced three goals and five points over his last five games played overall, and has tallied goals in each of his last two games. Duclair has notched 18 of his 19 points this season at even-strength and owns a +14 rating, the third-highest on FLA and second-highest among FLA forwards.
- Frank Vatrano has produced five goals and seven points over his last nine games. The 27-year-old native of East Longmeadow, Mass., has scored two game-winning goals over Florida’s last three games. Vatrano leads the Cats with six game-winning goals and ranks tied for the fifth-most GWGs in the NHL. On April 13 at DAL, Vatrano scored in OT, joining Olli Jokinen (4 – 2005-06, 3 – 2003-04) and Mike Hoffman (3 – 2018-19) as the only Panthers players to notch at least three OT-winners in a single season in club history. Vatrano ranks tied for third on FLA in goals (15), while tied for second in even-strength goals (13).
- MacKenzie Weegar ranks tied for second among NHL defensemen this season in even-strength points (23) and ranks tied for second in takeaways (29). His +17 rating ranks second on FLA, while tied for first on FLA in blocked shots (59) and ranking second in hits (99). Weegar’s career-high 25 points and 22 assists lead all FLA defensemen.
- Sergei Bobrovsky has posted four wins over his last six starts, logging a .920 save percentage and .929 even-strength save percentage in that span. He is six wins shy of his 300th NHL win, joining Evgeni Nabokov (353) and Nikolai Khabibulin (333) as only the third Russian-born goaltender to earn 300 wins in the NHL. Bobrovsky owns an 11-5-1 record over his last 17 appearances, owning a .919 even-strength save percentage.
- Chris Driedger owns a 5-2-1 mark over his past seven starts, earning wins in four of his last six appearances. Over the eight-game span since March 20, Driedger has posted a .939 save percentage, 1.62 goals against average and two shutouts. His save percentage and goals against average over his last eight starts ranks second among all goaltenders (min: 8 GP) since March 20.
- Patric Hornqvist leads FLA with eight power play goals and ranks fourth on the Panthers with 30 points (14-16-30). Hornqvist tallied his 14th goal of the season on April 17 at TBL on the power play. With his goal, Hornqvist reached his eighth consecutive season with at least 30 points. The two-time Stanley Cup Champion ranks second on Florida in shots (137), while ranking second among FLA forwards in hits (72).
- In his Panthers debut on April 17 at TBL, Sam Bennett registered two assists, a +3 rating and five hits. Bennett became the third Panthers player this season to have produced at least two points in their FLA debut joining Patric Hornqvist and Eetu Luostarinen (Jan. 17 vs. CHI). Acquired from CGY on April 12, the 24-year-old native of Holland Landing, Ontario has recorded 14 points (4-10-14) over 39 games this season, all at even strength.
- Brandon Montour tallied his first goal with FLA on April 17 at TBL. Over two games with the Panthers, Montour has averaged 18:09 TOI and posted a +5 rating and three blocked shots. Acquired from BUF on April 10, Montour led all BUF defensemen in goals (5), even-strength points (11), shorthanded points (2), while leading the team in blocked shots (53) and total even-strength time on ice (704:51).
- Nikita Gusev registered his first point with FLA on April 17 at TBL, recording an assist on the power play. Through his two games with FLA, Gusev has produced six shots on goal. He ranked second on NJD in points, recording 44 points (13-31-44) in 66 games during 2019-20, while leading the team in assists (31) and even-strength points (29).
- Radko Gudas leads all NHL defensemen in hits and ranks second in the league overall (200), averaging 4.55 hits per game and ranks third on FLA in blocked shots (56). Gudas recorded his 100th NHL assist on April 17 at TBL. Notching his first goal of the season on April 13 at DAL, Gudas has produced two points (1-1-2) over his last three games.
- Gustav Forsling has produced six points (1-5-6) over eight career games vs. CBJ.
- Markus Nutivaara enters tonight’s game on a season-high three game assist streak (0-4-4), owning a +4 rating in that span.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
– April 17: F Cole Schwindt, F Scott Wilson reassigned from SYR to Taxi Squad, F Aleksi Heponiemi, D Lucas Carlsson, D Brady Keeper reassigned from Taxi Squad to SYR
– April 15: D Brandon Montour, D Noah Juulsen activated to active roster
– April 13: F Sam Bennett, F Nikita Gusev added to active roster, F Anthony Duclair activated from IR, F Lucas Wallmark, G Spencer Knight
recalled from Taxi Squad, D Kevin Connauton loaned to Taxi Squad
– April 12: F Sam Bennett and 2022 6th round pick acquired from CGY in exchange for F Emil Heineman and a 2022 2nd round pick
– April 11: F Nikita Gusev signed to a 1-year contract
– April 10: D Brandon Montour acquired from BUF in exchange for 2021 3rd round pick, D Kevin Connauton recalled from Taxi Squad, D Brady Keeper loaned to Taxi Squad
FLA-CBJ CONNECTIONS
- FLA goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky played seven seasons for CBJ (2012-13 to 2018-19), posting a .921 save percentage, 2.41 goals against average, and 33 shutouts over 374 appearances. He won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender in 2012-13 and 2016-17.
- FLA forward Alex Wennberg played six seasons for CBJ (2014-15 to 2019-20), producing 201 points (40-161-201) over 415 games. Wennberg was originally selected by CBJ in the first round (14th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.
- FLA defenseman Markus Nutivaara played four seasons for CBJ (2016-17 to 2019-20), notching 60 points (17-43-60) over 244 games. He was originally selected by CBJ in the fifth round (189th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.
- FLA defenseman Anton Stralman played two seasons for CBJ (2009-10 to 2010-11), recording 52 points (7-45-52) over 124 games.
- FLA forward Anthony Duclair played 53 games for CBJ (2018-19), registering 19 points (11-8-19).
- FLA defenseman Kevin Connauton played two seasons for CBJ (2014-15 to 2015-16), recording 27 points (10-17-27) over 81 games.
- FLA General Manager Bill Zito served in CBJ’s front office for seven seasons (2013-14 to 2019-20), finishing his tenure as Senior Vice President of Hockey Ops., Associate General Manager and Alternate Governor.
- FLA forward Aleksander Barkov and CBJ forward Patrik Laine share the hometown of Tampere, Finland. Both players played for Tappara in Liiga, and were teammates on Team Finland at the 2016 IIHF World Championships, earning Silver Medals.
- FLA forward Nikita Gusev and CBJ defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov were teammates with the Olympic Athletes from Russia at the 2016 Olympic Winter Games, earning Gold Medals. The pair also earned Bronze Medals together with Russia at the 2017 and 2019 IIHF World Championships.
- FLA Vice President of Player Personnel & Development Gregory Campbell played 82 games for CBJ in 2015-16, recording 11 points (3-8-11). He also served as development coach for CBJ and their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters for three seasons (2017-18 to 2019-20).
- FLA Senior Advisor to the General Manager Paul Fenton served one season (2019-20) as a scout for CBJ.
- FLA Assistant to the General Manager Blake Geoffrion served four seasons with CBJ as a scout (2013-14 to 2015-16, 2019-20) and three seasons as Assistant General Manager for CBJ’s AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters (2016-17 to 2018-19).
- FLA Assistant to the General Manager Tom Bark served five seasons (2015-16 to 2019-20) in CBJ’s front office as an analyst and Special Assistant to the General Manager.
- FLA Assistant Coach Derek MacKenzie played seven seasons (2007-08 to 2013-14) for CBJ and the club’s AHL affiliate at the time, the Syracuse Crunch. He amassed 69 points (31-38-69) in 279 games for CBJ.
CHASING FRANCHISE HISTORY
| Franchise Goals | Franchise Assists | Franchise Points |
| 1. Olli Jokinen (188) | 1. Jonathan Huberdeau (319) | 1. Jonathan Huberdeau (482) |
| 2. Aleksander Barkov (173) | 2. Aleksander Barkov (279) | 2. Aleksander Barkov (452) |
| 3. Jonathan Huberdeau (163) | 3. Stephen Weiss (249) | 3. Olli Jokinen (419) |
| 4. Scott Mellanby (157) | 4. Olli Jokinen (231) | 4. Stephen Weiss (394) |
| 5. Pavel Bure (152) | 5. Robert Svehla (229) | 5. Scott Mellanby (354) |
PANTHERS LEADERS
Games Played: 5 Players (45)
Goals: Barkov (18)
Assists: Huberdeau (30)
Points: Barkov/Huberdeau (45)
Power-Play Goals: Hornqvist (8)
Power-Play Points: Huberdeau (18)
Shorthanded Goals: Barkov/Verhaeghe (1)
Shorthanded Points: Barkov/Acciari/Weegar/Verhaeghe (1)
Shots: Barkov (143)
PIM: Weegar (41)
+/-: Verhaeghe (+23)
Faceoff Win % (Min. 100 faceoffs): Barkov (55.6)
Blocked Shots: Acciari/Weegar (59)
Hits: Gudas (200)
TOI/GP: Ekblad (25:05)
PP TOI/GP: Yandle (4:14)
SH TOI/GP: Acciari (2:45)
Wins: Bobrovsky (16)
Shutouts: Driedger (2)
ACTIVE STREAKS
Goal Streak Duclair (2 Games, 2 Goals), Hornqvist (2 Games, 2 Goals)
Assist Streak Nutivaara (3 Games, 4 Assists)
Point Streak Nutivaara (3 Games, 0-4-4), Duclair (3 Games, 2-1-3), Huberdeau (3 Games, 1-2-3), Hornqvist (2 Games, 2-0-2)
TONIGHT AT BB&T CENTER
- Tonight is ‘Wear A Mask Night” at BB&T Center. All fans in attendance will receive a cobranded Panthers & Baptist Health mask.
- Tonight, fans will be able to give back to the Florida Panthers Foundation through the 50/50 raffle. Fans at BB&T Center can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets at select kiosks throughout the arena or online for fans who are within a 75-mile radius of the game at FlaPanthers5050.com and in the Florida Panthers mobile application. Ticket prices include: 5 for $10, 20 for $20, 80 for $40, and 300 for $100.
- Contactless, Mobile Food Ordering is now available for all games at BB&T Center. The Florida Panthers are offering fans safe and convenient purchasing experiences while at the BB&T Center, enabling mobile ordering through the NHL league-wide app, and contactless purchases and payments via self-service kiosks and user-friendly Clover devices at concession stands throughout the arena. Learn more at FloridaPanthers.com/MobileOrdering.
- The BB&T Center is the first National Hockey League Building to Achieve Well Health-Safety Certification. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future. The Florida Panthers & BB&T Center guests can expect:
- WELL Certified and improved cleaning procedures throughout the building
- Routine maintenance and improved air filtration through arena
- Emergency response plan and protocols
- Robust safety plans for employee health and wellness
PANTHERS COMMUNITY HEROES
- City Furniture Military Hero: Bill Gordon
Tonight’s Hero Among Us is Bill Gordon. Bill enlisted in the US Air Force in 1995 and is currently a member of the US Air Force Reserve. He has been deployed to the Middle East five times, including two deployments to Afghanistan. He is the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Gallant Unit Citation, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device.
- BB&T (Now Truist) Territory Teammate: Debbie Matilainen
GREAT MOMENTS IN PANTHERS HISTORY
April 19, 1993: Wayne Huizenga announced that the NHL’s newest franchise will be called the Florida Panthers. On the same date, Bill Torrey was announced as the first president of the Florida Panthers, joining the club after 21 years with the New York Islanders.
