Blake Wheeler gets props after scoring against the Florida Panthers in the first period at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., on Friday. (JOEL AUERBACH/Getty Images/AFP)
The reason why the Jets have been so successful on the road is the way they come firing out of the gate.
Just as they did several times during their 4-1 road trip two weeks ago, the Jets on Friday night scored in the first few minutes of the game. This time it was Andrew Ladd trickling one over the goal-line just 2:35 into the game.
Whenever the Jets can score first early on the road, it seems to set the tone for the rest of the night. And they needed it on Friday night, because the Florida Panthers took control of the game but could never overtake the Jets on the scoreboard. That was thanks to Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec, who stopped a season-high 38 shots in the 3-2 overtime victory.
Scoring early and scoring first is crucial for the Jets, and they keep getting it done.
