“It’s certainty tough at this time of year to be this far out,” said Reinhart. “It says a lot about us that we’re able to rattle off a few and Sergei led the way between the pipes.”

THEY SAID IT

“It was a good game. I saw the puck well, and there was a lot of action.” – Sergei Bobrovsky on the win

“I just kind of blacked out. Not falling, hit the net, that’s what everyone was telling me in here. I did both, so it was a success.” – Mike Benning on rookie lap

CATS STATS

– Mike Benning and his dad, Brian, became the third father-son combo to each play for the Panthers, joining the duos of Casey and Tom Fitzgerald as well as Riley and Cory Stillman.

– Sam Bennett has scored five goals in his last seven games.

– Every Panthers skater saw at least 10 minutes of ice time.

– Niko Mikkola blocked a team-high three shots.

– The Panthers have won two of three games against Columbus this season.

WHAT’S NEXT?

To the northwest they go.

The Panthers will start their four-game road trip against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

For Cats on Tap, click HERE.