The Winnipeg Jets narrowed the Florida Panthers' Southeast Division lead with a comprehensive 7-0 thrashing of their rivals at the MTS Center on Thursday.
The Jets (31-27-8) scored five goals in the third period to add some gloss to the scoreline as well as snap a three-game winning streak for the Panthers (30-21-12). The win moves Winnipeg to within two points of Florida.
Evander Kane and Jim Slater scored goals two minutes apart early in the first period to set the Jets on course for a resounding home victory.
The Panthers responded with a strong second period by outshooting Winnipeg 17-8 but were unable to find a way past Ondrej Pavelec, who made 33 saves for his fourth shutout of the season.
Kane scored again in the third period and added two assists to complete a four-point game. Kyle Wellwood, Bryan Little, Nik Antropov and Blake Wheeler also scored for the Jets.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by John O'Brien)
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