The Winnipeg Jets broke a two-game losing streak in style tonight, delivering a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers at a sold-out Canada Life Centre.
The win comes on the heels of a 5-0 defeat to the Panthers on Nov. 16 and a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier. It also ensure the Jets stay atop the entire NHL with 32 points at a record of 16-3.
Kyle Connor got the Jets off to a strong start, scoring at 14:13 of the first period to ignite the home crowd.
Mark Scheifele followed up with a wrist shot at 17:40, the first of three goals in a standout performance that would secure him a hat trick.
Scheifele extended the Jets’ lead to 3-0 with a goal midway through the second period. However, the Panthers showed resilience, scoring twice in quick succession to bring the game within reach.
Scheifele wasn’t done yet, completing his hat trick to restore the Jets' two-goal lead.
MARK SCHEIFELE MASTERCLASS 😼 pic.twitter.com/CgCuuzxK9U
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) November 20, 2024
Matthew Tkachuk brought Florida back within one, scoring at 16:38 of the third period.
However, Morgan Barron secured the Jets win using a little geometry. The 25-year-old scored on an empty net when he banked the puck off the boards. Barron would score another empty-netter just 21 seconds later.
Bear went to Cornell so he knows his angles 📐 pic.twitter.com/WudLG5phHu
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) November 20, 2024
Connor Hellebuyck picked up the win, making 24 saves in the effort.
The Jets went one for four on the power play, while Florida capitalized on two of their four opportunities. Faceoffs were a struggle for Winnipeg, winning just 42.6 per cent of the draws.
The Jets’ homestand was short-lived as they now embark on a six-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night. They return home on Dec. 3 to face the St. Louis Blues.
