One game after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes, 6-0, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Florida Panthers, 9-2, in Sunrise.
On Saturday the Blue Jackets fell behind the Panthers by six goals through two periods of play.
“I think when their crowd starts chanting, ‘We want 10,’ and they’re one away, I don’t know if there’s a more embarrassing feeling in hockey to be honest with you,” Columbus’ Zach Werenski said.
The Panthers improved to 26-7-5.
“Confidence is a big thing in the NHL, and I can tell you firsthand that every guy in that room has a lot of confidence,” Florida’s MacKenzie Weegar (goal) said.
Anton Lundell and Carter Verhaeghe hit for a pair of goals each in the win.
Jonathan Huberdeau picked up a goal and two points.
“This group’s an extremely tight group,” Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette said. “I’ve had people just watch them on TV that aren’t around them every day tell me that, ‘Hey, your group loves to play together.'”
Florida’s Anthony Duclair scored in the first period.
Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves in the win.
“The guys have been rolling,” Bobrovsky said. “It’s fun to watch and to be a part of this incredible atmosphere on our home ice.”
Gustav Nyquist and Boone Jenner scored in the third period after the game was completely out of hand.
“We should be embarrassed, period,” Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen said. “There’s nothing more to say about it.”
The Blue Jackets dropped to 17-18-1.
“They played a full 60 (minutes),” Larson said. “That’s what they’re supposed to do.”
Sam Bennett and Patrik Hornqvist scored for the Panthers in the third period.
“It’s the best hockey team in the league, I’d say, just with how fast they are, how well they play structurally,” Werenski said. “But it’s one thing to lose hockey games. It’s another thing to lose in that fashion.”
Elvis Merzlikins got the start for the Blue Jackets and surrendered four goals in the first period, he was given the hook in the 14th minute of the frame.
Joonas Korpisalo made 31 saves in a mop up role.
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