Jets Rally in Third to Defeat Panthers

Winnipeg scores twice in final period to extend Florida's tough stretch

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:31pm

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The Winnipeg Jets rallied with two third-period goals from Cole Perfetti and Marc Scheifele to defeat the Florida Panthers 2-1 on Saturday in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers took an early 1-0 lead but were unable to hold on as the Jets stormed back in the final frame.

Why it matters

The win helps the Jets stay in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, while the loss extends the Panthers' recent struggles as they try to return to the postseason in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have faced key injuries this season, making this an important victory for Winnipeg.

The details

Down 1-0 after the first two periods, the Jets were able to tie the game with 11:26 remaining when Gabriel Vilardi crashed the net and Perfetti put in the rebound. With 4:14 left, Scheifele scored the game-winner after a nice passing play from Gustav Nyquist and Kyle Connor. Jets goalie Eric Comrie made 27 saves to earn the victory.

  • The Jets scored the game-tying goal with 11:26 remaining in the third period.
  • Scheifele scored the game-winning goal for the Jets with 4:14 left in regulation.

The players

Cole Perfetti

Jets forward who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Marc Scheifele

Jets forward who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Eric Comrie

Jets goaltender who made 27 saves to earn the victory.

Eatu Luostarinen

Panthers forward who scored the opening goal in the first period.

Sergei Bobrovsky

Panthers goaltender who made 19 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must’ve been a little sluggish early on, but the guys really stepped up in the third period to get this important win.”

— Rick Bowness, Jets Head Coach

What’s next

The Jets will look to build on this victory as they continue their playoff push, while the Panthers will try to end their three-game losing streak in their next contest.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the resilience of the Jets, who were able to rally from a one-goal deficit in the third period to earn a crucial road win. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ recent struggles demonstrate the challenges they have faced this season due to key injuries to their roster.