Panthers Outlast Blue Jackets

     The Florida Panthers overcame the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-6 in overtime on Saturday at Amerant Bank Arena. The Panthers will conclude their six-game homestand tomorrow against the New York Islanders. 

      Both teams were tied 1-1 at the end of the first period. Columbus(13-9-6) scored three unanswered goals during the second period to go up 4-1. 

      Florida(13-12-2) compiled three straight goals to even it up 4-4 later in the second. The Blue Jackets regained the lead 5-4 before the conclusion of the second period.

      Columbus made it a two-goal margin 6-4 at the 2:27 mark of the third period. The Cats responded with two goals and tied it up 6-6 on an Anton Lundell tally with 5:32 remaining in the third.

     In overtime, the Panthers won the game 7-6 with 3.2 seconds left. Sam Bennett released a forehand shot in the crease area for his seventh goal this season.