Next day takeaways: 3 thoughts as the Winnipeg Jets push their winning streak to four

The Winnipeg Jets are a wagon that cannot be stopped right now, as they pushed their winning streak to four straight and their record to 12-1-0 with a 3-0 win over the Utah Hockey Club.

The Jets are winning every style of game

Whether it’s a low-event game, a high-event game, or they fall behind early, the Jets are winning every style of game right now. 

Last night was a low-event, tight-checking game against a Central Division opponent, and the Jets showed that they can thrive in this style of game. The Jets winning in many different ways makes it feel more sustainable, and when Scott Arniel was asked about it post-game, he echoed that statement. 

“I think it does because every opponent you run into each night throws a different game at you.  Or a different look at you. A different way of attacking us or trying to defend us. We’re finding different ways of winning — whether that’s a heavy, hard dump-and-chase game, a skilled game, getting to the inside, our special teams — we’re finding ways to get in games, stay in games and get the outcome that we need.”

With big tests upcoming against the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, the strength of competition is ramping up for the Jets, and it comes at a great time with them playing to the height of their abilities. 

Nino Niederreiter with two-goal night in 900th career game

Nino Niederretier suited up for his 900th career NHL game tonight, as he scored two crucial goals for the Jets in the win. A great move off the rush gave the Jets a 2-0 lead, and Niederreiter shot a puck into the empty net to give the Jets a 3-0 lead and insurance at the time. Scott Arniel spoke to the 900-game milestone post-game, where he alluded to the consistency that Niederreiter has shown over the years. 

“That’s special. That’s a lot of games,” Arniel said. “We had a little tribute to him, saw all his pictures from all the jerseys he’s worn and the places he’s played. He hasn’t changed a bit.”

The Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton trio is off to a fantastic start this season, and once again, on this night, they shut down the opposition’s best and added to the scoresheet. The Niederreiter trade, and subsequent extension, continues to be some of Kevin Cheveldayoff’s best work, and it’s games such as this one where his value shines through. 

“He’s a big power forward, and that line I thought was really good,” Arniel said. “They take that Keller line on, those skill guys. They did a really good job. And those guys on the PK were really strong. When that line plays like that they’re a force, they’re hard to handle.  They wear teams down because they spend so much time in the offensive zone.”

Gabriel Vilardi is heating up

After a slow start to the season, Gabriel Vilardi is starting to heat up on Winnipeg’s top line. With his goal to give the Jets a 2-0 lead on the power play tonight, he’s now up to seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last four games. 

While Vilardi has turned the corner from his slow start, it’s clear that the Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi line has played a more “complete” style since their poor start at even strength. 

Scott Arniel spoke to the buy-in that he has seen from his top line and how that has shaped their red-hot stretch over the past couple of games: “Those guys buy-in just like all the other lines. I think everybody realizes now that when we defend — and I say 200-foot defending, not just our end, might be through the neutral zone, tracking back those types of things — It gets you the puck back. And it gives you the chance to go play offence. That’s what everybody wants to do.” 

With Vilardi hitting his stride, Kyle Connor playing the best hockey of his career, and Mark Scheifele being a strong distributor of the puck, the Jets have a top line that is clicking on all cylinders right now and is a huge part of their four-game winning streak.  

Up next:

The Jets now carry their 12-1-0 record into their final two games of their homestand, where they welcome the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars to town. These will undoubtedly be two massive tests against the two best teams from the division last season, who will be looking to bring their ‘A game’ against the NHL’s best team as of today.