Panthers Face Blue Jackets During NHL Frozen Frenzy

Florida will try to halt a two-game losing streak when the Panthers visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Oct. 13, 2026, during the NHL's Frozen Frenzy. The matchup brings together two teams seeking consistency early in the 2026-27 season, with Florida entering at 2-2-2 and Columbus at 2-2-0.

According to NHL.com, the game is scheduled for a 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time start, earlier than Columbus' usual home schedule because all 32 NHL teams are playing on the same day. The Blue Jackets' game will air on Blue Jackets Hockey Network for viewers in its broadcast market.

Florida arrives after a 5-3 defeat against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. The Panthers tied the score three times, with Anton Lundell recording his first goal of the season and Sam Reinhart scoring twice on the power play, before Buffalo secured the win with two third-period goals, according to Litter Box Cats.

Goaltender Jacob Markstrom left that game after the first period, having allowed two goals on 11 shots. NHL.com reported that he was considered day to day after experiencing tightness, which coach Paul Maurice described as “just standard stuff.” Akira Schmid took over in relief and conceded three goals on 21 shots.

Florida also faces uncertainty on defense. Radko Gudas is day to day and is expected to be replaced by Balinskis, while goaltender Black was recalled from the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League to serve as Schmid's backup. Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand and Jonah Gadjovich were also listed among the Panthers' injured players.

Columbus enters the matchup after a 5-3 road loss to the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 10. The Blue Jackets surrendered a two-goal first-period advantage and saw the Blues take control with three unanswered goals in the second, according to the team's reported game recap.

Columbus recovered to tie the score through Cole Sillinger in the third period, but Jonatan Berggren scored the decisive goal for St. Louis at 9:33 of the final period. Valeri Nichushkin, Kent Johnson and Sillinger scored for Columbus, while goaltender Jet Greaves stopped 24 of 28 shots.

Cam Talbot is expected to start in goal for Columbus, marking his second start in three games, according to NHL.com. Talbot previously made his debut for the Blue Jackets against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 9, stopping all three attempts in the shootout after the teams finished overtime tied 2-2. Johnson converted his shootout attempt to secure the victory.

The Blue Jackets' projected lineup also carries uncertainty over forward Conor Garland, who is dealing with an illness and was listed as a game-time decision. NHL.com reported that Del Bel Belluz could make his season debut if Garland is unavailable. Defensemen Dante Fabbro and Ivan Provorov, along with forward Isac Lundestrom, were also listed as injured, while Emil Andrae was designated as scratched.

The Frozen Frenzy schedule includes all 16 NHL games on Oct. 13, with staggered start times and national coverage featuring highlights from across the league. The Panthers and Blue Jackets are scheduled for the second-earliest puck drop of the event, ahead of the final game between the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks at 11 p.m. Eastern Time.