Alexandre Texier’s ridiculous one-handed goal in the fourth round of the shootout gave the host Columbus Blue Jackets a 3-2 decision over the Florida Panthers, handing the Cats its first loss of the 2020-21 season.
Texier’s beauty was the only conversion in the skills competition as Elvis Merzlikins, who stopped 33 shots in regulation and overtime, denied Anthony Duclair, Jonathan Huberdeau, Frank Vatrano and Patric Hornqvist. One is left to wonder why Aleksander Barkov was one not of Florida’s shooters...
Chris Driedger, making his first start since opening night, once again provided his team with a quality start, finishing the game with 29 saves, including a dandy with the glove on Liam Foudy in the second period.