Florida Panthers Defeat Blue Jackets in Tribute Game

The Columbus Blue Jackets honored the late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew during their emotional home opener against the Florida Panthers, where Gaudreau's No. 13 was raised to the rafters. The tribute included a moment of silence with an empty left-wing spot representing Gaudreau, as players from both teams let 13 seconds elapse at the start of the game. Despite the heartfelt memorial, the Blue Jackets fell short, losing 4-3 to the Panthers, with Spencer Knight making 35 saves for Florida. Goals for Columbus came from Cole Sillinger, Sean Monahan, and James van Riemsdyk, while Sam Reinhart led the Panthers with a goal and two assists. The game served as a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver in August. Johnny's wife, Meredith, encouraged fans to celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing, emphasizing the impact he had on those around him.