Deadspin: Early Power-Play Goals Lift Panthers Over Struggling Jets

Florida Strikes Early

Verhaeghe opened the scoring at 7:27 of the first period with a power-play backhand from beside the net. Florida added another goal 1:15 later, when Niko Mikkola’s shot from the left circle deflected off Winnipeg defenseman Mario Ferraro.

Verhaeghe scored again on the power play with 9:42 left in the opening period, sending a one-timer from the high slot into the net. The Panthers took a 3-0 lead.

Jets End Shutout Bid

Adam Lowry scored Winnipeg’s only goal with 7:33 remaining in the second period. After Schmid gave the puck away near the left side of the net, Lowry took it behind the goal and scored on a wraparound.

The goal was confirmed after league officials in Toronto reviewed the play. The action continued briefly as though Schmid had made the save, before the horn signaled the ruling.

Winnipeg Streak Reaches Six

The Panthers won their second straight game and went 3-for-5 on the power play. Mikkola added an assist to go with his goal, Seth Jones had three assists, and Schmid stopped 24 shots.

Teams Meet Again Friday

Florida will host Winnipeg in Sunshine, Fla., on Friday. The game will be the second of back-to-back games for the Jets. Winnipeg visits the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night before facing the Panthers again.