Mark Scheifele delivered a standout performance Tuesday night, notching his ninth career hat trick to propel the Winnipeg Jets to a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. The Jets, bouncing back from a tough weekend loss to the same Panthers squad, improved their NHL-best record to 16-3 with 32 points.
Winnipeg showcased its resilience and energy, outpacing the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers throughout the game. Kyle Connor contributed a goal and an assist, while Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers added two assists apiece. Connor Hellebuyck stood strong in net with 20 saves.
Morgan Barron sealed the game with two empty-net goals in the final minutes, capping off a stellar team effort that saw the Jets outshoot Florida 27-23.
Despite the loss, the Panthers showed flashes of their championship-caliber play. Matthew Tkachuk recorded a goal and an assist, while A.J. Greer and Sam Reinhart also found the back of the net. Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 saves, keeping Florida within striking distance.
Florida demonstrated strong penalty-killing efforts, including an impressive two-minute five-on-three kill early in the second period. However, their inability to capitalize on multiple offensive opportunities—including hitting the post several times—proved costly.
The turning point came midway through the third period. After Sam Reinhart scored a power-play goal to cut the Jets’ lead to 3-2, Winnipeg quickly regained momentum. Six seconds after a Jets power play ended, Scheifele buried his third goal of the night, restoring a two-goal cushion and deflating Florida’s hopes.
Winnipeg’s quick recovery after a 5-0 weekend defeat to the Panthers highlighted their depth and determination. The Panthers, meanwhile, will need to find consistency as they look to climb the standings.
The Panthers (10-7-1) will head to Chicago on Thursday night to face the Blackhawks, while the Jets kick off a six-game road trip starting in Pittsburgh on Friday night.
With their explosive offense and relentless pressure, the Winnipeg Jets look every bit the NHL’s top team. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers remain a formidable opponent but must find ways to convert scoring chances into wins.
