Lundell Records Hat Trick as Panthers Beat Jets 5-2

Seth Jones Sets Franchise Record

The Florida Panthers continued their strong stretch of hockey Friday night, riding Anton Lundell’s hat trick and a record setting performance from defenseman Seth Jones to a 5-2 victory over the struggling Winnipeg Jets.

Lundell scored three times, Jones finished with a goal and two assists, and Sam Reinhart also found the back of the net as Florida earned its sixth win in eight games. The victory completed a home and home sweep of Winnipeg, which continues to struggle through an eight-game winless streak.

Jones capped an outstanding October by establishing a new franchise record for most points by a Florida defenseman in a single month. He finished October with 18 points, recording two goals and 16 assists to surpass the previous record of 17 points set by Keith Yandle in March 2018.

Lundell Leads Florida With Third Hat Trick of the Season

Lundell was the offensive star of the night, delivering his first hat trick of the season and Florida’s fifth already this year. His scoring helped the Panthers maintain control despite a late push from the Jets.

Winnipeg made things interesting midway through the third period when Morgan Barron scored his first goal of the season, cutting Florida’s advantage to 3-2. However, Lundell quickly restored the Panthers’ two-goal cushion with his second goal of the night.

He completed the hat trick with an empty-net goal with 1:39 remaining, putting the finishing touches on Florida’s 5-2 victory. Jones provided another major offensive contribution, adding to his historic month with a goal and two assists. Reinhart also scored for the Panthers, who received 22 saves from goaltender Akira Schmid.

Jets Continue to Slide With Eighth Straight Winless Game

The loss extended Winnipeg’s winless streak to eight games, with the Jets going 0-6-2 during that stretch. Friday’s defeat also completed a disappointing home-and-home series against Florida, with the Panthers winning both meetings.

Kyle Connor scored his team leading 11th goal of the season for Winnipeg, while Barron added his first of the campaign. However, the Jets could not generate enough offense to overcome Florida’s balanced attack.

Imama and Bauer Renew Their Rivalry

The game also featured an early heavyweight fight between Florida’s Bokondji Imama and Winnipeg’s Tyrel Bauer. The two dropped the gloves just 2:04 into the opening period, renewing a rivalry that dates back to a memorable fight in the American Hockey League in 2024.

Their latest encounter lasted more than a minute, with both players exchanging punches before finally separating. Similar to the conclusion of their previous fight, the two shared a respectful nod after the altercation.

Panthers Await Return of Barkov and Marchand

Florida continues to win despite missing two of its standout forwards, Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand, who remain sidelined with injuries. Both players resumed skating this week, providing some encouragement for the Panthers as they prepare for the next stretch of their schedule. Head coach Paul Maurice indicated that Marchand could return in approximately three weeks, while Barkov is expected to need around four weeks.

The Panthers have also had an unusual early season schedule, entering Friday having played just three home games, the fewest in the NHL. More than half the league had already played at least seven home games heading into Friday’s action. Despite the limited number of home dates and their injury challenges, Florida continues to find ways to collect victories.

Up Coming Hockey Games

The Jets will look to end their eight-game winless streak when they travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. The Panthers return home Monday night to host the Detroit Red Wings as they look to extend their recent success and continue climbing in the Atlantic Division standings.