Playing without Matthew Tkachuk, a star power forward, the Panthers (39-21-3) helped Bobrovsky cruise to the 48th shutout of his career and fourth of the season, showing why they’re leading the Atlantic Division with 81 points as the defending Stanley Cup champions.

His 16-save shutout in the Florida Panthers’ 3-0 win on Thursday over the Columbus Blue Jackets — a team he spent seven seasons playing for before signing with the Panthers — was the 423rd victory of his NHL career. That ties Bobrovsky with Tony Esposito for 10th most all-time in NHL history.

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 16 shots for his second shutout in four games and fourth of the season, and the Florida Panthers won their fifth straight, 3-0 over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night.