Florida at Columbus

Being 10 points out of a playoff spot, the Panthers can't wait any longer to make a move if they have any hope of winning the Stanley Cup for the third consecutive season. Now, Florida draws Columbus, which is 12-2-1 since the hiring of Rick Bowness. The Blue Jackets have been living dangerously, though, winning each of their last two games by one goal. They blew a four-goal lead against the Rangers and had to win an overtime this past Monday, and then needed a third-period comeback to nip Nashville, 3-2, two days ago. Columbus had lost its previous two games. The Panthers have dominated the Blue Jackets, winning the past nine times against them. Florida has big-time scorers with Sam Reinhart, who is on pace for a fifth straight 30-goal season with a team-best 28 goals, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett. The Blue Jackets could be short-handed. Star defenseman and Norris Trophy candidate Zach Werenski has missed the past two games with illness, and captain Boone Jenner missed the last game as well. Werenski is the only NHL defenseman with at least 20 goals and 60 points on the season. Take the Panthers.