Panthers Welcome Jets as Long Homestand Begins
Florida hosts Winnipeg in Sunrise on October 30, seeking to build momentum at home after a 5-1 win over the Jets in their previous meeting.
The Florida Panthers host the Winnipeg Jets at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on October 30, beginning a stretch of three home games in six days. Florida has played only three times at home so far, going 2-1 there, and enters the game with a 7-4-2 record. Winnipeg is 4-6-3 and coming off its seventh consecutive loss, Thursday against Tampa Bay.
The Panthers beat the Jets 5-1 in their latest meeting. Carter Verhaeghe scored twice in that game, while Florida has averaged 3.3 goals per game over its past 10. The team has had more difficulty scoring at even strength, and coach Paul Maurice said the focus is on creating more offense without giving up defensive solidity. Florida has allowed 2.8 goals per game over that 10-game span.
Maurice said injured forwards Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand are skating again, with both expected to return in the latter part of November. Goaltender Akira Schmid is set to make his third consecutive start after wins over Chicago and Winnipeg. After the October 30 matchup, the Panthers are scheduled to host Detroit and Chicago during the six-day stretch.