mymotherlode
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Anton Lundell notched a hat trick, Seth Jones contributed a goal and two assists, and the Florida Panthers handed the Winnipeg Jets their eighth consecutive loss with a 5-2 victory on Friday night.
Jones concluded October with 18 points (two goals, 16 assists), setting a new franchise record for most points by a Panthers defenseman in a single month. The previous mark was held by Keith Yandle, who recorded 17 points in March 2018.
Sam Reinhart also found the net for Florida, which has now won six of its last eight contests. Akira Schmid made 22 saves for the Panthers, who remain without star forwards Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand due to injuries. Both players resumed skating this week, and coach Paul Maurice indicated that Marchand could return in approximately three weeks, while Barkov is about four weeks away.
For Winnipeg, Kyle Connor scored his team-leading 11th goal, but the Jets dropped both games of a home-and-home series with Florida this week and are now 0-6-2 in their last eight games. Morgan Barron pulled Winnipeg within one midway through the third period with his first goal of the season, but Lundell's second of the night restored Florida's two-goal cushion.
Lundell completed his hat trick—Florida's fifth already this season—with an empty-net goal with 1:39 remaining. The Panthers entered Friday having played only three home games this season, the fewest in the NHL, while more than half the league had already played at least seven home games.
In an early fight, Florida's Bokondji Imama and Winnipeg's Tyrel Bauer dropped the gloves just 2:04 into the game, reminiscent of their memorable AHL bout in 2024. The two traded blows for over a minute on Friday and, just as they did two years ago, shared a respectful nod afterward.
Key Analysis
The Panthers continue to impress despite missing key forwards, relying on depth scoring and strong defensive contributions. Jones's record-setting month underscores his importance to Florida's blue line. Meanwhile, the Jets' extended skid raises questions about their consistency and ability to close out games. With the win, Florida maintains its momentum, while Winnipeg looks to regroup before facing Carolina on Sunday. The Panthers will host Detroit on Monday night.
Originally reported by mymotherlode.