Jets look to tame Panthers

Here are 5 Things to watch for in Thursday’s game between the Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers:

1. Redemption time?

Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck wasn’t at his sharpest Tuesday, but he had plenty of company on that front and was not the primary reason his team came up short against the Detroit Red Wings.

2. Guess who’s back?

Since talking about his latest lack of confidence, Jets winger Patrik Laine has produced three goals and four points in three games. The Finnish forward is up to 14 goals and 22 points on the season, with nine of the markers and 11 points coming with the man-advantage.

3. Killing time

Since giving up two power-play goals in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche last Wednesday, the Jets have successfully killed off 14 consecutive shorthanded situations, including a pair of five-on-threes against the Red Wings.

4. Back to the scene

Jets defenceman Dmitry Kulikov played one of his best games on Tuesday, logging 17-plus minutes and recording two shots on goal, two hits and two blocked shots. He’s has fond memories of his seven seasons with the Panthers, who made him a first-round selection, 14th overall, in the 2009 NHL Draft.

5. Prime time for Reimer

With Roberto Luongo on the shelf with a leg injury, Morweena, Man., product James Reimer steps back into the spotlight in the crease for the Panthers. Reimer is off to a slow start to the season, with a 4-6-3 record, a 3.67 goals-against average and .892 save percentage in 14 appearances. But he was excellent with the Panthers last season, going 18-16-5 with a 2.53 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 42 games.