The Columbus Blue Jackets pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau during their first home game against the Florida Panthers

On Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets played their first home game of the year against the Florida Panthers. During the game, both teams took time to pay tribute to Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed before the season began.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling in New Jersey in late August. Her death caused great sympathy throughout the ice hockey world. Fans left flowers and items outside Columbus Stadium to honor the late striker.

The Blue Jackets erected a similar tribute at the stadium for Tuesday's game, which included items left in the fan memorial.

The Blue Jackets and Panthers gave Gaudreau additional recognition throughout the game. Both teams wore Gaudreau's No. 13 jersey during warmups, and Columbus also painted No. 13 on the ice behind the goals.

The Blue Jackets also raised a banner honoring Gaudreau before the game, with his wife, Meredith, and children present to watch it go up.

Before the game, the Panthers arrived at the stadium with purple Gatorade and Skittles — two of Gaudreau's favorites. Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk, a longtime teammate and friend of Gaudreau, suggested the idea, according to Panthers reporter Katie Engleson.

Tkachuk, who is battling an illness, did not travel to Columbus but posted a heartfelt message on the Panthers' social media. The two played together for six seasons with the Calgary Flames.

The Blue Jackets and Panthers allowed 13 seconds to elapse after the puck dropped, another homage to Gaudreau's jersey number. Columbus also began the game with four players on the ice, leaving the left winger spot – Gaudreau's position – open in his honor.

After a slow first half, the Blue Jackets struck first in the second period with a goal from junior center Cole Sillinger. After Florida tied the game, Columbus center Sean Monahan scored the team's second goal and pointed to Gaudreau's banner after the point.

The Blue Jackets then fell behind to 3-2 at the end of the second period before conceding another goal to the Panthers. Although Columbus was able to score late in the third period, it wasn't enough and the team lost to Florida 4-3.