Panthers Scramble Jets

The Florida Panthers finished up a short home stand at Bank Atlantic Center on Friday night and beat the Winnipeg Jets 2-1. The Panthers made the most on their first power play as they took a 1-0 lead at 15:46. Mikael Samuelsson fed the puck from the top of the zone to Kris Versteeg who fired a one-time slap shot from the top left circle by Chris Mason. It was Versteeg's 20th goal of the season. The Jets came back at 11:29 of the second period with an even-strength goal. Andrew Ladd picked up a loose puck on the left-wing boards, passed ahead to Bryan Little and he rifled a wrist shot between the legs of Scott Clemmensen. Florida bounced back less than three minutes later to retake the lead 2-1. Jason Garrison from the left point wrapped it around the boards to behind the cage where Marcel Goc placed a backhand pass to Sean Bergenheim in front of the crease for a snap shot. It was the eighth goal for Bergenheim this season. The Cats extended their lead in the Southeast Division to three points over the Washington Capitals. Florida plays four of their next five games on the road.