Jets Outlast Panthers Behind Scheifele’s Late Heroics and Comrie’s Steady Hand
The Winnipeg Jets didn’t just sneak out of Amerant Bank Arena with a win-they earned every bit of it. Mark Scheifele’s goal with just over four minutes left in regulation capped off a gritty, patient performance that saw Winnipeg finally break through against a red-hot Sergei Bobrovsky and edge the Florida Panthers 2-1.
Cole Perfetti also lit the lamp for the Jets, who improved to 2-1 on their four-game road swing. Eric Comrie, making his third straight start, continued to reward the coaching staff’s faith with another rock-solid outing, stopping 27 shots to secure his third consecutive win.
With one game left before the Olympic break-a Monday showdown in Dallas-Winnipeg is heading in with confidence and momentum.
Jets Stay the Course Despite Early Frustration
Through two periods, the scoreboard didn’t reflect the Jets’ effort. But if you were watching closely, you knew it was only a matter of time.
The first period saw Winnipeg generate plenty of high-danger looks, especially on the power play. Cole Perfetti had two golden chances-first sneaking a shot through Bobrovsky that the Panthers goalie somehow reached back to swipe off the goal line, then ringing one off the crossbar just moments later.
In the second, Mark Scheifele found Kyle Connor with a slick pass in front, but Bobrovsky flashed the leather with a highlight-reel glove save to preserve Florida’s 1-0 lead.
That kind of goaltending can demoralize a team. But the Jets didn’t flinch.
Persistence Pays Off in the Third
Winnipeg’s patience finally paid off midway through the third. Gabe Vilardi made a strong move around Sam Bennett and got a shot off. Bobrovsky made the initial stop, but Perfetti, who had been buzzing all night, crashed the net and buried the rebound to tie the game.
“Yeah, it's obviously a good feeling,” Perfetti said postgame. “Got a lot of chances earlier in the game and wasn’t able to find it. So just keep going to the net, trying to generate, and eventually you get rewarded.”
And rewarded they were.
The game-winner was a thing of beauty. Gustav Nyquist carried the puck into the zone and threaded a perfect pass to Connor, who quickly slid it across to a wide-open Scheifele. With Bobrovsky out of position, Scheifele buried his team-leading 27th goal of the season.
According to NHL Stats, it was the 53rd time in Scheifele’s career he’s factored into a go-ahead goal in the third period-just two shy of Blake Wheeler’s franchise record (55) for the Jets/Thrashers.
Comrie’s Calm Continues
While the Jets were waiting for the offense to crack Bobrovsky, Eric Comrie quietly held things down at the other end. He didn’t face a barrage, but when the Panthers did push, Comrie was there-calm, composed, and confident.
He’s now posted a .950 save percentage or better in each of his last three starts.
“I felt good,” Comrie said. “I feel like I’m not pressing the issue.
Earlier I was trying to do a little too much… putting a lot of pressure on myself. Now I’m just letting things happen, playing my game, and relaxing a bit.”
That mindset is translating into results. And with Comrie finding his rhythm, the Jets are getting strong goaltending depth at a crucial point in the season.
One More Before the Break
With two wins already on this road trip, Winnipeg heads to Dallas looking to close things out strong before the Olympic pause. If this game was any indication, the Jets are clicking in all the right areas-goaltending, timely scoring, and a belief in their structure.
They didn’t just beat a quality Panthers team-they outworked and outlasted them. And that’s the kind of hockey that travels well.