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After another extended road trip, the Florida Panthers were back on home ice at Amerant Bank Arena. The Winnipeg Jets, who had just played in Tampa on October 29th and lost 6-4, were the visitors. The Panthers showed no mercy, securing a 5-2 victory and notching another hat trick—their fifth of the season. Seth Jones remains an incredible asset, and the power play remains a hot commodity. Here are the three takeaways from the Halloween eve game that left fans with a "rat" trick and a big treat in the form of a comfortable win.
Another Day; Another Hat Trick
If someone were to tell a diehard Panthers fan that the team would record five hat tricks in 14 games, and the latest one was by Anton Lundell, who has never had one in his career, it would be received with considerable skepticism. But that's where we are. Lundell scored the opening goal of the second period and the last two goals of the third period, including an empty netter to ice the game. Lundell has been highly valued by the Panthers organization, and kept out of trade talks for more renowned stars, and this is why: he's capable of elite play. His hat trick ties the franchise's record number of hat tricks for a season set back in 2020-2021, 2019-2020 and 1999-2000 for the second most in a single campaign. The only season with more was in 2021-2022. Bear in mind that we still have 70 games left of this season.
Superhuman Seth Spooks Halloween Game With Stunning Record
Keith Yandle lost a spot in the record books, surpassed by Seth Jones for 18 points by a defenseman in a single month, as Jones continues to have an exceptional season. Seth Jones and Matthew Tkachuk became the ninth set of teammates in NHL history to each register at least 15 assists in a single October and just the third forward-defenseman combination. They join Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey. Since October 12th, Seth Jones, in 9 games played (1 goal, 16 assists for 17 points) trails only Connor McDavid in 8 games played (5 goals, 18 assists for 23 points) for the league lead in points over that span.
Power Play Perfection
Remember when the Panthers' power play was worrisome early in the season? Not anymore. The Panthers have shot up from worst in the league to 11th -- a respectable 23%. The Tkachuks continue to play a role in that. A third straight win. Another hat trick. And suddenly, a Panthers team that seemed sunk by injuries is sitting in second place in the competitive Atlantic Division, just one point behind Boston. Next: a visit from the Detroit Red Wings on November 2nd, as the Red Wings are embroiled in the Dylan Larkin controversy.