Panthers Drop Third Straight as Jets Rally Late in the Third
The Florida Panthers came into Saturday’s tilt with the Winnipeg Jets knowing exactly what was at stake. Head coach Paul Maurice didn’t mince words pregame - this one had to be played like it was April, not February.
With the Panthers sitting eight points outside the playoff picture, every game feels like a must-win. Every shift, every goal, every point matters.
But despite the urgency, Florida couldn’t find enough offense to get the job done.
The Panthers struck first but were ultimately undone by a pair of third-period goals from the Jets, falling 2-1 at home and extending their losing streak to three games - all against Western Conference opponents.
Let’s break down how it happened - and what it means heading into a critical stretch before the Olympic break.
Early Spark, Then Silence
Florida got on the board first thanks to a bit of puck luck. Late in the first period, Evan Rodrigues let a wrister go from the top of the right circle just as a Panthers power play expired.
The shot deflected off Eetu Luostarinen, who was planted in front, and past Jets goalie Eric Comrie. It was the kind of gritty, net-front goal that often swings momentum early.
But that would be the last time the Panthers lit the lamp.
Despite generating chances and holding Winnipeg to just five shots in the third period, Florida couldn’t extend their lead - and that opened the door for the Jets to come storming back.
Third-Period Collapse
The turning point came midway through the final frame. Gabe Vilardi drove hard to the net, forcing Sergei Bobrovsky into a tough stop. The rebound, however, kicked right out to Cole Perfetti, who buried it to tie things up at 1-1.
Just over seven minutes later, the Jets struck again. This time, it was Mark Scheifele finishing off a textbook 2-on-1 rush with Kyle Connor. Scheifele didn’t miss, and with just over three minutes left in regulation, the Panthers found themselves trailing for the first time all night - with no answer coming.
Bobrovsky finished with 19 saves, but the lack of goal support told the story.
A Crucial Stretch Ahead
The loss wraps up a frustrating run against the West, with Florida dropping games to Utah, St. Louis, and now Winnipeg. And things don’t get any easier from here.
The Panthers now face three straight division games - against Buffalo, Boston, and Tampa Bay - before the NHL pauses for the Olympic break. That’s three chances to make up ground in the standings, and with the clock ticking on the regular season, those opportunities can’t be squandered.
Tonight’s Three Stars
1. Eric Comrie, Jets - Calm and composed in net, Comrie stood tall after the early deflection and didn’t allow anything else past him.
2. Mark Scheifele, Jets - The game-winner on a late rush.
That’s what top-line centers are paid to do.
**3.
Cole Perfetti, Jets** - Right place, right time on the rebound goal that swung momentum.
What’s Next
Game No. 55: The Panthers return to action against the Buffalo Sabres - a divisional matchup that now feels even more important. If Florida wants to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need to stop the skid right there.
With the Olympic break looming, this next stretch could define the Panthers’ season.