Evander Kane scored two goals and the Winnipeg Jets survived a shaky first period to rout the Florida Panthers 7-2. The Jets tallied three goals in the first and second period and gained a crucial two points to remain in the playoff hunt.
The goals came fast and furious in the first period. Aaron Gagnon tipped a Blake Wheeler shot to score his second goal in as many nights. Just 52 seconds later, TJ Brennan would respond with his own tip in to tie the game. Evander Kane would answer for the Jets just 18 seconds later redirecting an Olli Jokinen pass that trickled past Florida goalie Jacob Markstrom. Florida would come right back and score the equalizer just 1:27 after. TJ Brennan made a cross-ice pass to Tom Fleischmann who found a wide open net to beat Ondrej Pavelec.
Jets coach Claude Noel quickly called a timeout to settle his team down. It worked. Andrew Ladd scored the go-ahead goal to put the Jets up for good as Bryan Little found him streaking towards the net for the tip in. The Jets would go on to control the pace the rest of the first period outshooting the Panthers 17-9.
The Jets received goals from Grant Clitsome, Dustin Byfuglein, Chris Thorburn and another from Evander Kane. Ondrej Pavelec made25 saves.
After the game, Evander Kane talked about his two goal performance. “My focus is winning games no matter who scores,” Kane said. “Guys are going to need to get hot coming down the stretch and so far so good.”
The sevem goal performance was the highest Jets output of the season and they are playing some great hockey at the right time. The Jets solid play as of late even brought out a cameo appearance. A Claude Noel smile.
The Winnipeg Jets will get four days off before they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday as they look to continue their quest for a playoff spot.
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