Panthers 2, Wild 1
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Right winger Jaromir Jagr scored a pair of goals, defenseman Dmitry Kulikov had assists on both of them and goaltender Al Montoya was exceptional in net as the Florida Panthers knocked off the Minnesota Wild 2-1 on Sunday at the BB&T Center.
Jagr scored the game-winning goal 8:52 into the third period with a sweeping wrist shot from the high slot.
The Atlantic Division-leading Panthers extend their franchise-record win streak to nine games as they wrapped up a perfect six-game homestand.
The Wild fell on the third outing of a four-game road trip as both teams were on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Panthers (23-12-4) increased their lead in the Atlantic Division to three points over the Montreal Canadiens. The Wild (20-11-7) remain in fourth in the Central Division with the third-place Chicago Blackhawks looking to distance themselves against the Ottawa Senators.
Montoya, who has been historically successful against the Wild and was in net over Roberto Luongo for the first time in seven games, saved 38 of 39 shots. Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk had 26 saves.
It only took 27 seconds for the Panthers to get the scoring started as Jagr scored his first on a backhand through Dubnyk's legs.
With two more goals on the future Hall of Famer's resume, Jagr now has 735 goals in his career, moving him to six behind Brett Hull for third in NHL history.
He broke the four-way tie for the team lead in goals with his 12th on the season off the assist from Kulikov, the 100th of his career, and center Jonathan Huberdeau.
Wild left winger Jason Zucker tied it at one 48 seconds into the second period when he scored his 10th goal of the season off assists from defenseman Ryan Suter and center Mikko Koivu. The goal snapped Florida's streak of holding opponents scoreless for 128 minutes and nine seconds.
Minnesota was tenacious on the penalty kill, shutting out Florida on five power-play opportunities. The Wild came up empty on four power plays of their own.
Minnesota entered Sunday with historical success against the Panthers with points in 15 of 17 meetings.
The Wild outplayed the Panthers in multiple categories, including 39 shots on goal to Florida's 28 and a 41-23 advantage in faceoffs.
Zucker's game-tying goal in the second period was a tip-in on a rebound off an impressive save by Montoya. Sunday's contest marked Panthers defenseman Willie Mitchell's 900th career game.
The Panthers now take their act on the road and start a six-game road trip against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. The Wild will finish their current road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
NOTES: Panthers C Nick Bjugstad (migraines) was activated from injured reserve on Sunday. The move comes just in time for the 23-year-old Minneapolis native to face his hometown team. Bjugstad was placed on IR on Dec. 11. ... Wild C Jordan Schroeder was reassigned to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. He was recalled to Minnesota on Saturday but did not appear in the Wild's overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. ... LW Shawn Thornton, C Dave Bolland and LW Connor Brickley were the Panthers scratches. ... LW Erik Haula was scratched for the Wild. RW Justin Fontaine was reactivated. D Tyson Strachan was the other Wild scratch.