Panthers blank Blue Jackets

SUNRISE, Fla. — Aleksander Barkov had a goal and an assist, Chris Driedger posted his third career shutout, and surging Florida beat Columbus 3-0 on Sunday.

Frank Vatrano and Gustav Forsling also scored, and Mackenzie Weegar had two assists as the Panthers won their sixth straight and moved into sole possession of first place in the Central Division.

Driedger, who has earned wins in four of his last five appearances, stopped all 32 shots he faced for his second shutout of the season.

“You know what ... it wasn’t as much me as the team effort,” the Panthers’ backup goaltender said. “We were incredible defensively. I didn’t see a lot until the final push at the end there.”

Driedger has allowed only six goals in his last five starts.

“Honestly, I think our team is playing fantastic,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun. The guys have been locking it down defensively.”

Joonas Korpisalo had 32 saves for Columbus, which lost its fifth game to wrap up the six-game road trip.

“We’re 1-5. I don’t need to explain this,” Columbus coach John Tortorella said. “Tonight we didn’t generate as much offense or have as much offensive zone time (as Saturday), and that certainly won’t put pucks in the back of the net.”

Vatrano’s unassisted goal -- his 13th -- came eight minutes into the third period to put Florida ahead 2-0, and Forsling capped the scoring at the 12:20 mark.

Playing in only their second game back from injury, Barkov and Patric Hornqvist teamed up for Florida’s first goal at 1:52 of the second period.

Hornqvist grabbed an attempted Columbus clear and fed Barkov at the top of the right circle, who ripped a one-timer that landed top shelf past Korpisalo.