Jets Fly High in 4-3 Shootout Duel with Panthers

The Winnipeg Jets had the final say in a back and forth divisional battle that saw them knock off the Florida Panthers in a 4-3 shootout on Monday.

The Jets trailed 3-2 in the third period and were seconds away from defeat before Evander Kane delivered his second goal of the game to tie the contest with 50 seconds remaining in regulation.

After a scoreless overtime period, Winnipeg converted two of three shootout attempts while goaltender Ondrej Pavelec faced two unsuccessful shots from Florida to cap a stellar night.

Pavelec finished with 39 saves, including 19 in the first period, and shone in the extra sessions after it appeared Florida (6-4-1) had stolen the game in the third.

First-period goals by Kyle Wellwood and Kane had given the Jets a 2-1 lead, but Florida's Tomas Fleischmann scored twice in the third to rally the Panthers to a 3-2 edge with 2:10 left.

We didn't let that last goal put us down, Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd told reporters. We came back and found a way to get another one and get a win.

Kane's timely goal played a big part and helped Winnipeg (4-6-1) get the best of their Southeast Division rivals.

His score was a backhand rebound out of midair and was originally waved off for high-sticking but the ruling was reversed after a video review.

I've never really seen that before, but it was nice to see them make the right call, Kane said.

I wasn't too nervous. I thought my stick was definitely below the crossbar. Like I said, they talked it over and made the right call.

Following overtime, Andrew Ladd and Wellwood netted the two shootout scores to help the Jets earn a big win on the third contest of their seven-game road trip.