LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Ticker) -- Robert Kron scored off a rebound with 1:43 left as the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets posted a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in the exhibition finale for both clubs.

Geoff Sanderson fired a slap shot from the slot that was stopped by goaltender Trevor Kidd. But Kron poked in the rebound for his first preseason goal.

The Panthers tied it at 3-3 with 3:33 left. Ray Whitney blasted a shot from the right faceoff circle that snuck past Ro n Tugnutt's pads for his third exhibition goal.

Deron Quint scored a power-play goal and rookies David Vybrony and Jonas Andersson-Junkka also tallied for Columbus, which had a 39-31 advantage in shots. Serge Aubin picked up two assists.

Dan Boyle and Robert Svehla scored for the Panthers, who fell to 6-2-1.

Florida opens the regular season Friday against Vancouver, while Columbus hosts Chicago in its inaugural contest on October 6.

The game drew 5,985 at Freedom Hall.