Anton Lundell recorded a hat trick and Seth Jones set a franchise defenseman scoring record as the Florida Panthers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 on Friday night in Sunrise, Florida, handing Winnipeg its eighth consecutive loss.
Anton Lundell scored three goals to power the Florida Panthers to a 5-2 victory against the Winnipeg Jets. The win marked Florida’s sixth victory in their last eight games. Lundell opened his scoring sequence in the second period, added his second goal in the third frame to restore a two-goal lead, and sealed the hat trick—Florida’s fifth of the season—with an empty-netter with 1:39 left.
Sam Reinhart also scored for the Panthers, while goaltender Akira Schmid stopped 22 shots. Winnipeg got goals from Kyle Connor, who notched his team-best 11th of the season on a late two-man advantage, and Morgan Barron, whose first goal of the year narrowed the deficit to 3-2 midway through the third period. Nico Daws made 33 saves for the Jets in his first start since arriving in a trade from New Jersey.
Seth Jones Breaks Florida Defenseman Scoring Record
Seth Jones finished October with 18 points, breaking the record for the most points by a Florida defenseman in any single month. Jones collected a goal and two assists on Friday, bringing his monthly total to two goals and 16 assists. He surpassed Keith Yandle, who put up 17 points for the Panthers in March 2018.
NHL roundup: Anton Lundell's first hat trick powers Panthers past Jets #NHL https://t.co/PgPqesMrex
— https://x.com/FieldLevelMedia/status/2116408837427077528
The blue-liner has found renewed form since arriving via trade, skating on Florida’s second pairing alongside Niko Mikkola. Winnipeg head coach Scott Arniel pointed to improvements in his squad’s battle level despite the final score. Arniel noted his team was much closer to playing a full 60-minute competitive game after dropping both ends of the home-and-home series against Florida.
Injuries and Lineup Notes Ahead of Next Games
The Panthers played without standout forwards Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand because of injuries. Panthers coach Paul Maurice stated that both players resumed skating during the week, with Marchand projected to return in about three weeks and Barkov in approximately four weeks. Friday’s matchup also featured an early physical clash when Florida’s Bokondji Imama and Winnipeg’s Tyrel Bauer dropped the gloves just 2:04 into the contest, a reenactment of sorts of their still-talked-about fight in the AHL in 2024, sharing a respectful nod toward the other when it was over.
Winnipeg fell to 4-7-3 overall. The Jets continue their road trip by visiting the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. The Panthers return to action on Monday night to host the Detroit Red Wings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Seth Jones break the Florida defenseman record?
Seth Jones set the franchise mark on Friday night by finishing October with 18 total points, breaking Keith Yandle’s previous record of 17 points set in March 2018.
How long is Winnipeg’s current losing streak?
The Winnipeg Jets extended their losing streak to eight games on Friday, going 0-6-2 in that span and 4-7-3 overall for the season.
When are Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand expected to return?
Panthers coach Paul Maurice stated that Brad Marchand could return in about three weeks and Aleksander Barkov in about four weeks after both forwards resumed skating during the week.
Worth a look