Recap:
Jets couldn’t have asked for a better start in this one. They scored twice in the first minute of the game although the initial opening goal was called back when it was determined that Blake Wheeler had gone offside. They reset the clock and seconds later Nikolaj Ehlers opened the scoring with his ninth of the year. He followed this up with his 10th of the season on the power play as he joins Scheifele (11) and Laine (11) in double digits for goals category. Bryan Little assisted on both Ehlers goals.
This game had a bit of a reverse feel from the won the Jets played against the Flyers last week. Johnathan Gibson made a big stop on Bryan Little early in the 2nd and then about four minutes later Francois Beauchemin shot a knuckler which got past a screened Connor Hellebuyck to make it a one goal game. The Jets would re-gain the two goal advantage when Bryan Little scored his third of the season on the power play to make it 3-1 which is how the 2nd period would end.
The final frame began with a big push by the Ducks but Connor Hellebuyck was solid (as he has been all season long) and Winnipeg closed it out when Kyle Connor scored his sixth of the year into the empty net to make it a 4-1 game.
The Jets are now 14-5-3 on the season which has them in 2nd place in the central division.
For those who would like to take a deeper dive into the advanced stats here are the results from tonight’s game via Natural Stat Trick.
Notable:
– Nikolaj Ehlers finished with two goals (9 & 10) and one assist (7);
– Bryan Little had a goal (3) and two assists (8 & 9);
– Tyler Myers had two assists (7 & 8);
– Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves and with the win moves to 12-2-2 on the season;
– Jets picked up their fifth win in six games;
– Jets sit just two points back of the Blues for 1st in the Western Conference.
Goalie note:
Coach Maurice indicated that he would return to Steve Mason in net for tomorrow’s back to back contest against the Sharks.
Post-game audio:
Bryan Little
Connor Hellebuyck
Nikolaj Ehlers
Coach Maurice: On how the Jets started the game. Did he like the speed from his team tonight? On the contributions of the second line. On having patience with the Ehlers/Little/Laine line. On the team maturity for not having a letdown after the disallowed goal. On playing with the lead. Thoughts on Hellebuyck’s play. Starter tomorrow against the Sharks. Redemption games for Hellebuyck after giving up five the previous game. Having success early in the season in tough buildings.
Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg
Next game:
Jets play the Sharks in San Jose on Saturday night. Puck drop is at 9 pm CST.
