Game 53: Jets 5 Blues 3 post-game report

Recap:

It looked like the Jets were in for a long night when a deflected shot beat Ondrej Pavelec to give the Blues an early lead.  St. Louis held an edge playing a heavy game in the opening frame but the Jets scored a late 1st period (Scheifele) and it seemed to turn the tide.  Pavelec played a stronger 2nd period and the Jets got goals from Laine and Ehlers.  In the middle frame it was the Jets turn to give up a late period goal and the Blues held an edge in shots but were behind 3-2 after 40.  The Jets actually controlled play for much of the 3rd period and goals by Trouba and an empty netter by Wheeler sealed the deal to give Winnipeg a 5-3 win.

This was their second straight win and they are 12-4-1 overall within the Central Division.  This bodes well for the team as they try to push toward a playoff spot as they play their next four against Central teams and five of the next six.

Blake Wheeler put up three points (1G 2A), Mark Scheifele also had three (1G 2A).  Mark Scheifele is the first Jets player this season to eclipse 50 points as he now has 51 on the season which moved him into fourth overall in the NHL.  Patrik Laine scored his 23rd goal to tie Auston Matthews for rookie goal scoring and he maintains his overall lead in rookie points.

Stats:

Audio:

Blake Wheeler:  On the win.  On the way the Jets responded after giving up first goal.  On the Jets PP against the Blues.  On how Pavelec played.  On getting the fourth goal of the game.

Ondrej Pavelec:  What did he like about the game?  How did he feel going into the game and how did he feel as the game progressed?  Why do they have success against the Blues?

Mark Scheifele:  Playing well against central division opponent.  Like the way the club settled in after giving up the initial goal?

Coach Maurice:  Did he like they way the team settled down after giving up the first goal early?  Did he like the way the team didn’t give up many second and third chances in front of the Jets net?  The late 1st period goal by Scheifele. Why the success against Central Division.  Has the group taken steps mentally being able to give up early goals. Nice to see the break on the Trouba goal.  Has Trouba hit another level?  On Trouba’s drive to become a number one D man.  What does this win do for the road trip?

Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.