The Florida Panthers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 as Anton Lundell scored his first NHL hat trick, including an empty-net goal in the third period. The performance gave Florida five hat tricks through 14 games, the fastest any team has reached that mark since the Edmonton Oilers did it in 15 games during the 1984-85 season. The Toronto Maple Leafs remain the fastest team to five hat tricks, reaching the total in eight games in 1922-23.
Lundell adds to rare scoring run
Lundell had previously recorded seven two-goal games before scoring his third goal against Winnipeg. “First ever hat trick in the NHL,” Lundell said. “I’ve had some two-goal nights, but the third one has always been hard to score.” Florida is one hat trick short of matching its single-season franchise record of six, set in 2021-22.
Four of the Panthers’ five hat tricks have come at home. Brady Tkachuk recorded back-to-back hat tricks on Oct. 13 and Oct. 15, while Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe each scored a hat trick in the same game on Oct. 17. “I’ll take it,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “It’s fun to be a part of that.”
“It seems like when you get one, they’re getting two, and then they’re getting that third,” forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “I saw something the other day that we have four home games and five hat tricks or something. It’s very impressive. If somebody can get one each and every night, that gives us a very good chance to win.” The Panthers were 8-4-2 and had won six of their previous eight games at the time of publication. Florida was scheduled to continue its homestand against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
Imama makes impact in all 14 games
Boko Imama has played in all 14 games since signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers during the summer. The 30-year-old forward ranked fourth on the team with 39 hits and was two games away from matching his single-season NHL career high. Imama also drew attention during a fight with Winnipeg’s Tyrel Bauer.
At 5-on-5, the Panthers allowed three goals during Imama’s 105:01 of ice time. His expected goals for percentage in that situation was 50.69%, according to NaturalStatTrick.com. “I’m doing good for my team first, but I’m glad [the fans] like it,” Imama said.
“I think everything is going great,” Imama said. “I’ve been feeling amazing. I think the way I got welcomed here was, you know, second to none.” Maurice said Imama fits the Panthers’ style and has earned the respect of the players around him. “I think he realizes that he can play here,” Maurice said. “He fits here. The style of game is built for the way he plays. So, there’s a comfort with that. Players that he plays with have a great respect for his game.”
Markstrom moves toward return
Jacob Markstrom was a full participant in the Panthers’ Sunday practice at Baptist Health IcePlex. Markstrom last played on Oct. 17 after being hit high by a puck during practice. His status remained a decision for the coaching and medical staff after the session.
“I mean, he’s pretty close, but we’ll decide after he gets off the ice and the doctors look at him,” Maurice said. “He’s not going to back up unless he’s ready to play a game. But if it’s not now, it’ll be the next one.” Markstrom had a 3-1-1 record, a 2.21 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage and one shutout in six appearances this season. Akira Schmid went 3-0-0 with a .929 save percentage in his previous three starts for Florida.
FSB Take
Florida’s five hat tricks through 14 games show that scoring has come from multiple players rather than one isolated performance. Imama’s physical contributions and 5-on-5 results have added another element while the Panthers remain 8-4-2. The next goaltending decision will determine whether Markstrom returns immediately or Schmid continues after his strong three-start stretch.
Source: Original report