Jets catch a massive break before puck drop in Florida after Paul Maurice's latest update

Jan 31, 2026 (2:40 PM)

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell being out gives the Winnipeg Jets a real opening, and they cannot waste it against the Florida Panthers.

Florida is dressing a thinner top-six, and that matters in a game that already feels tight and ugly.

Paul Maurice called both forwards day to day, but they will not play Saturday in Sunrise.

That takes away a chunk of Florida’s forecheck bite, plus a ton of matchup comfort at center.

It also changes the power-play math, because fewer trusted options means shorter benches and more predictable looks.

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The Jets have to treat this like a gift, not a guarantee.

Winnipeg rolls in at 21-25-7, and the margin for error has been gone for weeks.

Kyle Connor has been carrying the offense at 24-37-61, and he needs help early, not only after the game gets messy.

Mark Scheifele sits at 26-38-64, and this is the kind of night where he has to win the middle, not just trade chances.

Jets fans have heard "must-win" a million times, but this one actually feels like it, because Florida is handing you softer matchups.

Without Marchand, the Panthers lose a winger who drags games into the mud and still finds a way to hurt you.

Without Lundell, they lose a center who can steady a line, protect the slot, and make your best players work for every inch.

That should let Winnipeg dictate more shifts, especially if the Jets get the first goal and force Florida to open up.

Connor Hellebuyck is the swing piece, because if he’s sharp, Winnipeg can play patient and wait for Florida’s mistakes.

The Jets already saw how thin the margins are in this series after that 2-1 shootout loss on January 22.

Tonight is the response game, and the break is real, but only if Winnipeg plays like it matters from the opening faceoff.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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JANVIER 31\|143 ANSWERS Jets catch a massive break before puck drop in Florida after Paul Maurice's latest update Will the Winnipeg Jets take advantage of Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell sitting out?
Yes	114	79.7 %
No	29	20.3 %
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