Gustav was only Gustav (1:33 left) and Matthew Tkachuk (0:05 left), who scored later.
Additionally, the two goals between Aaron Eckbrad and Jones were 11 seconds apart, and scored the fastest two goals by one team defense in Stanley Cup playoff history.
The key win for the Panthers offered No. 4 more than just a goal before returning to Tampa Bay for Game 5 on Wednesday.
Cutting down the game-high 26:16 ice time, Blue Liner was on the ice at 3:19 with a penalty kill.
“He was incredible for us,” Captain Alexander Barkov said. “We knew he was a great defender before he came here, but it’s actually amazing to see it from this close up every day in the game and see what he’s doing and how he’s helping us.
Jones, who won at the trade deadline, is only getting better with the new system, showing versatility in both power plays and penalty kills.
“He’s a great guy,” said forward Etu Luastalinen, who was on the ice for Jones’ goal in Game 4.
In 21 regular-season games greeted by the Panthers, Jones scored nine points (two goals, seven assists) and averaged 24:55 minutes of ice time per tilt.
Jones brought big minutes and consistent play into the playoffs, averaging a team-high 25:29 minutes of ice time, ranking second in the team with blocking shots (7) and plus/minus ratings (+3), with two points (goals, assists) in four games.
Of all that makes the 6-foot-4 defensive man effective, there could be a range Jones can cover on the list.
“He’s range and his ability to reach the board from the middle of the ice to the middle of the ice,” coach Paul Maurice said of Jones’ effectiveness. “He can move the puck and he can skate, but that range will allow him to close the gap along with (Nico) Miccola. It fits quickly, as our entire defense game is built from that concept.”
Just as Jones helped the Panthers, fans also provided a boost to Blue Liner.
“The fans were great, the final game was great, and tonight was great,” Jones said of the crowd that followed Game 4.
With the chance to help the Panthers punch tickets in round two, Jones aims to be sharp in Game 5 against Tampa Bay at Amalie Arena at 7:30pm on Wednesday.
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