Panthers Bring Better Chances to a Columbus Barn That Rarely Gives

The standings say these teams are close in form, but the chances say otherwise. Over their last 10 games, Florida has created more and allowed less than Columbus -- in expected goals, a measure of how many goals a team's chances were worth, the Panthers have averaged 3.64 per game for and 3.03 against, while the Blue Jackets sit at 2.85 for and 3.5 against.

Both clubs are 5-5 over that stretch, so results haven't matched the gap in chances.

The flip side is location. Columbus is 6-3-0 at home and 1-5-0 on the road, and that home record is what keeps them in the hunt at 14 points through 15 games, ninth in the wildcard race.

Florida arrives at 9-7-2 with 20 points, holding the second wildcard spot but riding a two-game losing streak. The Panthers are 5-5-2 away from home.

The question: does Florida's edge in chance quality finally show up on the scoreboard, or does Columbus keep winning in its own building?