The Florida Panthers haven’t had the season that they envisioned for themselves at the start of the year, but things might be turning around for the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. They’re still a ways away from being in the playoff picture, but Saturday’s win against the Columbus Blue Jackets showcased the fight that has become synonymous with Panthers hockey over the past few seasons.

Carter Verhaeghe Cashing In For The Panthers On The Power Play
Dec 4, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) looks on against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The man advantage has been a struggle for the Panthers for most of the season, but recent success has given the power play new life. On Saturday, the team converted on two of four chances thanks to Carter Verhaeghe, who now has five goals in his last five games.

The center tallied three points against the Blue Jackets en route to being named second star, all while climbing franchise lists in the process. Saturday marked Verhaeghe’s 79th multi-point game as a member of the Panthers, which stands as the seventh-most in franchise history.

Verhaeghe struggled to start the season with just two points in seven games, but has seemingly turned it around as of late. With the injured reserve as it stands right now for the Panthers, his contributions are more important than ever. Seeing him turn his season around is a great omen for Florida, as the offense will have to piece together solid games in order to gain ground in the Atlantic Division.

Brad Marchand Staying Consistent In Second Season With Florida Dec 6, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand (63) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) battle for possession of the puck during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

One of the biggest surprises of the year for the Panthers lies in how much they’ve had to rely on Brad Marchand, but he’s met the challenge with open arms. The 17-year veteran leads Florida in all major offensive categories, something almost nobody saw coming at the beginning of the season. 

Marchand has impacted games with his ability to produce at all levels of the game, something the Panthers hoped he would do when they offered him a six-year deal last summer. The 37-year-old found a fresh start with Florida after spending his entire career with the Boston Bruins, an opportunity he has not let go to waste. 

Marchand is the biggest offensive weapon the Panthers have at the moment, and he did it all during Saturday’s victory. He tallied three assists and a goal to earn second star honors, including factoring on Bennett’s game-winning goal. Marchand’s expertise and abilities are shining on a struggling Florida team, and there’s no doubt that he’ll be part of their redemption if they can turn it around after their hard-fought win.

Sam Bennett Continues To Heat Up For Panthers
Dec 6, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) celebrates the winning goal in overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets with left wing Brad Marchand (63) and center Evan Rodrigues (17) as Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) leave the ice at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Sam Bennett faced some early-season struggles after winning the Conn Smythe, but his production seems to be back on track after Saturday’s OT goal. The 29-year-old has eight points in his last five games, including four in Florida’s 7-6 win over Columbus. 

The Panthers wouldn’t have won Saturday’s contest without Bennett, who tallied three assists and the game-winner with just four seconds left in overtime. His ability to produce outside of scoring has been great to see for Florida fans, especially considering that his linemate, Brad Marchand, is playing lights out. Bennett has seemingly taken it upon himself to make an impact every game he plays, and it’s showing with how much he’s involved in their wins. 

The former first-round pick had just two points in the team’s first eight games to open 2025-26, sparking concerns over the team’s decision to sign him to an eight-year extension. He has since returned to form and has been a big reason why the Panthers could find their way during the holiday stretch. Bennett is certainly showing up, which can only mean good things for the Panthers as they look for answers to their recent struggles.

End Of My Florida Panthers Rant

It’s been a season of struggle for the reigning champs, and this win had to have felt like a turning point for the team. Florida showed a lot of resilience throughout the entire 60+ minutes of play, earning a hard-fought win despite never leading in the contest. 

These kinds of games are often looked at as the make-or-break points in a campaign for teams that make deep postseason runs. After watching this one, I can see that being the case for the Panthers. The team has been defined by their rough and gritty approach, two facets that were on full display against the Blue Jackets. If they can keep at it, they are in a position to make a run in a tightly contested Atlantic Division that has a lot of potential to change between now and April. 

Granted, a lot of that will depend on the team staying healthy, but if they do, they’re still a team to be reckoned with as the season continues. Florida has shown time and time again that it has what it takes, no doubt about it. If they can maintain the level of play they showed today, the Panthers can return to form as one of the best teams in the league.