The Florida Panthers (25-20-3) head north to face the Winnipeg Jets (20-23-6) in a cross-conference tilt between a playoff-contending Panthers squad and a Jets team fighting to stay in the wild-card hunt. Florida has cooled off after a hot start but remains dangerous with their speed and goaltending, while Winnipeg’s home form (12-10-3) could provide an edge despite recent struggles. This matchup features Florida’s high-octane offense against Winnipeg’s stout defense, potentially leading to a low-scoring affair if the Jets’ penalty kill holds up. The Panthers won their last visit to Winnipeg 4-2 on Nov 12, 2025, but the Jets are 3-1 in the series since 2024.
Venue Location
Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (broadcast on ESPN+, TSN, BSSUN)
Recent Team Forms
Florida has gone 5-4-1 in their last 10, with a +5 goal differential, showing balanced play but road inconsistencies. Winnipeg is 3-6-1 over the same period, outscored 35-25, highlighting defensive lapses.
Florida Panthers Last 10 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Jan 20 | vs. TBL | W 3-2 | 3 | 2 |
| Jan 18 | @ TOR | L 2-4 | 2 | 4 |
| Jan 16 | vs. DET | W 5-3 | 5 | 3 |
| Jan 14 | @ BUF | W 4-3 | 4 | 3 |
| Jan 12 | @ BUF | W 4-3 | 4 | 3 |
| Jan 10 | vs. BOS | L 2-3 OT | 2 | 3 |
| Jan 8 | @ MTL | L 2-6 | 2 | 6 |
| Jan 6 | vs. OTT | W 3-1 | 3 | 1 |
| Jan 4 | @ NYR | L 3-4 | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 3 | vs. NYI | L 1-2 | 1 | 2 |
Record: 5-4-1
Avg. Goals: 2.9 for, 3.1 against
Power Play: 24.8% (7th in NHL); Penalty Kill: 81.2% (13th)
Winnipeg Jets Last 10 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Jan 20 | @ EDM | L 2-4 | 2 | 4 |
| Jan 18 | vs. COL | L 1-3 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 16 | @ MIN | W 4-2 | 4 | 2 |
| Jan 14 | vs. UTA | L 3-4 OT | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 12 | @ DAL | L 2-5 | 2 | 5 |
| Jan 10 | vs. CHI | W 4-3 | 4 | 3 |
| Jan 8 | @ STL | L 1-4 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 6 | vs. VGK | L 3-4 | 3 | 4 |
| Jan 4 | @ NSH | W 3-2 | 3 | 2 |
| Jan 2 | vs. MIN | L 2-3 | 2 | 3 |
Record: 3-6-1
Avg. Goals: 2.5 for, 3.4 against
Power Play: 19.1% (19th in NHL); Penalty Kill: 83.5% (8th)
Injury Report
Florida is relatively healthy but monitoring depth pieces, while Winnipeg deals with key absences in net and on the blue line, potentially forcing backups into action.
Florida Panthers:
Sam Reinhart (RW): Day-to-day (upper body) – Questionable, missed last game
Aaron Ekblad (D): Day-to-day (illness) – Expected to play
Gustav Forsling (D): Out (lower body) – IR, expected back Feb 1
Jonah Gadjovich (LW): Out (undisclosed) – IR, no timeline
Winnipeg Jets:
Connor Hellebuyck (G): Out (lower body) – IR, expected back Feb 15
Nikolaj Ehlers (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed) – Game-time decision
Ville Husso (G): Day-to-day (illness) – Backup if needed
Dylan Samberg (D): Out (upper body) – IR, expected back Jan 28
Projected Starting Goalies:
Florida: Sergei Bobrovsky (16-12-2, 2.75 GAA, .904 SV%)
Winnipeg: Laurent Brossoit (8-9-3, 3.15 GAA, .895 SV%) – With Hellebuyck out
Key Player Matchups
Florida’s skilled forwards will test Winnipeg’s defensive core, while the Jets’ physical style could disrupt the Panthers’ rush game. Special teams could decide this one.
Matthew Tkachuk (FLA) vs. Kyle Connor (WPG): Tkachuk (18G, 30A) brings edge and scoring for Florida. Connor (22G, 25A) leads Winnipeg in goals with elite sniping. Net-front battles will be intense.
Aleksander Barkov (FLA) vs. Mark Scheifele (WPG): Barkov (15G, 35A, captain) excels in two-way play and faceoffs (54%). Scheifele (20G, 28A) is Winnipeg’s playmaker. Center ice control key.
Carter Verhaeghe (FLA) vs. Josh Morrissey (WPG): Verhaeghe (20G) provides speed for Florida. Morrissey (D, 8G, 30A) anchors Winnipeg’s blue line. Transition play highlighted.
Sam Bennett (FLA) vs. Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG): Bennett (12G, physical) adds grit. Ehlers (15G, if active) brings skill for Winnipeg. Secondary scoring matchup.
Niko Mikkola (FLA) vs. Cole Perfetti (WPG): Mikkola (D) shuts down for Florida. Perfetti (young center) adds creativity for Winnipeg. Defensive zone focus.
Series History
All-time: Florida leads 25-20-3-2 (50 games). Recent: Florida has won 4 of the last 6 meetings, including 4-2 on Nov 12, 2025. Jets are 2-3-1 in the last 6 at home. At Canada Life Centre: Winnipeg 12-10-1-1 vs. Florida. Trends: Under has hit in 5 of the last 7 head-to-heads; average combined goals: 5.4.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Jets have covered in 5 of last 7 as underdogs. Total: Under has hit in 6 of Florida’s last 8 road games; Over in 4 of Winnipeg’s last 6 home. Team Trends: Florida 5-4-1 last 10; 15-10 SU as favorites. Winnipeg 3-6-1 last 10; 12-10-3 at home. Florida 4-2 SU last 6 vs. Central; Under in 5 of last 7 series games.
Game Odds
Florida Panthers 5.5
Winnipeg Jets – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
