The Florida Panthers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 Friday in Sunrise, Fla., as Seth Jones recorded one goal and two assists. The three-point performance gave Jones 18 points in October and established a Florida Panthers record for most points by a defenseman in a single month. Keith Yandle previously held the mark with 17 points in March 2018.
Jones has produced 17 of his 18 October points during a nine-game stretch that began Oct. 12. Only Edmonton’s Connor McDavid has more NHL points during that span, with 23 compared with Jones’ 17. Jones has also recorded at least three points in three games during the run.
Power-play production fuels Jones’ run
Jones has made a major contribution while quarterbacking the Panthers’ top power-play unit. Eleven of his 18 points in October have come with the extra attacker. His recent production has followed a quieter start, when he recorded one assist through Florida’s first five games of the season.
“They’re just flowing right now,” Jones said. “So, they come and go and I don’t judge my game based on based on points. I judge it based on how smart my plays are, how efficient I am breaking the puck out and that kind of comes with it. A lot of it’s been power play, and that’s been pretty hot lately.”
Heavy workload adds to impact
Jones has also handled a team-high workload for Florida this season. He is averaging 24:52 of ice time per game, and the Panthers have led 10-6 in goals at 5-on-5 during his 216:40 on the ice. Those figures place his scoring surge alongside a substantial role in the Panthers’ overall play.
“Seth Jones has been a huge, huge driver and we needed him [to be],” head coach Paul Maurice said. “He’s got lots of confidence up top. He’s offensively as strong as there is in the league from the blue line.” Maurice added, “The guy’s still getting better.”
Panthers seek four-game winning streak
Florida was scheduled to host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday while seeking a fourth consecutive victory. The game represented the Panthers’ next opportunity to extend their winning streak after the victory over Winnipeg. Jones entered that scheduled matchup with a franchise record and 17 points during his nine-game stretch since Oct. 12.
FSB Take
Jones’ record is significant because his October production has come with both heavy ice-time responsibility and a leading role on the power play. The Panthers have also held a 10-6 goal edge at 5-on-5 during his 216:40 on the ice. His continued ability to contribute in those situations gives Florida a defenseman with measurable influence beyond his monthly point total.
Source: Original report