Note: It was an emotional Tuesday for the Jets and their fanbase. The day began with Connor Hellebuyck holding a media availability to discuss the decision not to play against his former team. Then, 30 minutes before puck drop, fans in Winnipeg finally got their first look at No. 37 on the ice in a Devils jersey, and they let him have it from the moment he stepped onto the ice for warm-up until he disappeared down the tunnel to the dressing room. Of course, the chants continued throughout the night.
Note II: There were still two points up for grabs, and fittingly, it was former Devil Dawson Mercer and Michigan product Kyle Connor who provided the offence, with each scoring twice. Mercer picked up the game-winning goal against his old club, while Nico Daws earned his first victory as a member of the Jets against his former team. With the 4-2 win, Winnipeg extended its winning streak to four games. The Jets will use today as a travel day.
Note III: The Manitoba Moose were also in action last night and, like their parent club, built up a 2-0 lead before watching it disappear as Texas tied the game in the 3rd period. Overtime solved nothing, but shootout goals from Danny Zhilkin and Brad Lambert secured a fourth straight victory for Manitoba. The Moose are now tied for top spot in the entire AHL. They’ll look to keep things rolling tonight when they face the Stars in a rematch with puck drop set for 8 PM.
Note IV: Illegal Curve merchandise is now available! If you’ve been looking to represent IC, we’ve got a variety of options for you to choose from. Check out our merchandise page to see what’s available and place your order. Thanks for supporting Illegal Curve!
Jets news:
NHL.com: Jets hope emotional win against Devils brings closure to Hellebuyck saga. This organization is definitely looking to put this behind them and move forward.
NHL.com: Mercer scores twice against former team, Jets cool off Devils. Not only was NJ winners of five straight but they had a 9-1-0 record going into last night’s game.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Global News: Mercer scores twice as Winnipeg Jets double Hellebuyck-less Devils 4-2. What a way to get your first game-winning goal for your new team when it comes against your old one.
Winnipeg Sun: Mercer, Connor each score twice to lift Jets over Devils 4-2. Another game recap.
Winnipeg Free Press: Newest Jets shine in emotional 4-2 win over Devils. (Paywall). Not sure they could have drawn that up any more fittingly.
Winnipeg Free Press: Hellebuyck cites online threats, family concerns as reasons for trade demand. (Paywall). He shared his side of things but as I anticipated I am not sure it moved any needles.
The Athletic: Jets get their revenge in Hellebuyck’s return to Winnipeg with raucous win. (Paywall). They sure did. Will be interesting to see what it’s like in NJ at the end of the month.
The Athletic: Connor Hellebuyck mocked with chants, relentlessly booed in Winnipeg return. (Paywall). Talk about a fun atmosphere.
Sportsnet: Hellebuyck sends mixed message to Jets fans seeking closure. Don’t think closure is ever really gonna happen until 37 is retired.
Jets video:
TSN: Did Hellebuyck’s return to Winnipeg live up to the hype? Connor Hellebuyck spoke earlier in the day to the local Winnipeg media, but didn’t play in the game in his return to the city as a member of the Devils. The fans did get a chance to show their displeasure to their former goalie in the warmups however as they rained down boos and chants. In the end, the Jets won thanks to two of the players who came over in the Hellebuyck trade. Did the game live up to the hype? TSN Hockey Insiders Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger join Danielle Bain with more.
TSN: ‘Fans got to jeer Hellebuyck and cheer a Jets win’: Button on Hellebuyck’s return to Winnipeg. TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button joins SC with Jay Onrait to discuss Jets fans welcoming Connor Hellebuyck back to Winnipeg with a chorus of jeers, and the Jets turning their fortune around during their recent run.
TSN: Mercer steals the show in ‘charged atmosphere’ in Hellebuyck’s return to Winnipeg. The crowd let their feelings known to Connor Hellebuyck during the pre-game warmups, and the emotions in the building were palpable as former Devil Dawson Mercer scored twice to send the hometown fans happy. TSN’s and Dan Robertson and Landon Ferraro have more.
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