The Florida Panthers continue to overcome injuries and find ways to win. Returning to Amarant Bank Arena on Friday night, Florida defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 behind Anton Lundell's first career hat trick, another outstanding performance from Seth Jones, and a power play that continues to improve. The victory marked Florida's third consecutive win and improved its record to 8-4-2, moving the Panthers into second place in the Atlantic Division, just one point behind Boston. With six wins in their last eight games, Paul Maurice's team is beginning to find its rhythm.
Here are three major takeaways from another impressive Panthers victory.
Another Game, Another Hat Trick
At this rate, Panthers fans might need to start bringing extra hats to Amarant Bank Arena. Anton Lundell recorded the first hat trick of his NHL career against Winnipeg, giving Florida an astonishing five hat tricks through its first 14 games. Lundell scored his first goal in the second period before adding two more in the third, including an empty netter that sealed the victory.
The accomplishment places Florida in remarkable historical company. The Panthers became the fastest NHL team to record five hat tricks since the Edmonton Oilers accomplished the feat in 15 games during the 1984-85 season. Florida is also just one hat trick away from matching its single-season franchise record of six, established in 2021-22.
What makes this stretch especially impressive is the number of players contributing. Brady Tkachuk recorded consecutive hat tricks on October 13 and 15, while Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe each scored three goals in the same game on October 17. Lundell has now joined that group, demonstrating Florida's remarkable scoring depth.
For a team dealing with significant injuries, having multiple players capable of taking over games has been invaluable. The Panthers are proving they don't need to rely on one superstar to carry their offense.
Seth Jones Is Playing Like an Elite Defenseman
While Florida's forwards have been collecting hat tricks, Seth Jones has quietly put together one of the most impressive offensive stretches of any defenseman in the NHL. Jones finished October with 18 points, surpassing Keith Yandle's franchise record for points by a Panthers defenseman in a single month.
His recent production has been even more remarkable. Since October 12, Jones has recorded 17 points in nine games, including one goal and 16 assists. Over that stretch, only Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid has accumulated more points, with 23 in eight games. That is extraordinary company for a defenseman.
Jones has also formed a historic partnership with Matthew Tkachuk. The two became just the ninth pair of NHL teammates to record at least 15 assists each during October, and only the third forward-defenseman combination to accomplish the feat. They joined legendary duos such as Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey.
Florida's Power Play Is Finally Clicking
Remember when the Panthers' power play was one of their biggest concerns? Those struggles suddenly feel like a distant memory. After opening the season near the bottom of the NHL rankings, Florida has climbed to 11th in power-play efficiency, converting approximately 23% of its opportunities.
The improvement has been an important factor in Florida's recent success. The Panthers have become more decisive with their puck movement, creating better shooting opportunities while taking advantage of the playmaking abilities of Jones and the Tkachuk brothers. Instead of allowing opponents to survive penalties without consequences, Florida is increasingly making teams pay for their mistakes.
With three consecutive victories and six wins in their last eight games, Florida is showing why it remains a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers return to action Monday against Detroit, looking to extend their winning streak and continue climbing the Atlantic Division standings.
