Don’t even know how to describe that game. After a 1st period in which it looked all but over with the Predators scoring three and the Jets getting none, Winnipeg awoke in the 2nd period and played a period of hockey we haven’t seen in seven years since they returned. Four goals (Stastny, Byuglien, Trouba & Byfuglien) on 16 shots while limiting the Preds to just six shots had the Bell MTS Place crowd and those outside buzzing with their team up 4-3 after 40 minutes. The 3rd saw a quick strike goal by Forsberg to make it a 4-4 game, saw Connor Hellebucyk stop Viktor Arvidsson on a breakaway and then a late penalty to PK Subban gave Wheeler the opportunity to held the Jets regain the lead. Two empty nets later (Wheeler & Tanev) and the Jets ended the night with a 7-4 win and a 2-1 series lead.
Interesting note:
From the NHL – Mark Scheifele of the Jets is the first player with multiple points in 5+ consecutive team games within a postseason since Sidney Crosby recorded an equal run in the 2010.
Notable numbers:
– Blake Wheeler had 2G 1A;
– Dustin Byfuglien had 2G 1A;
– Paul Stastny had 1G 2A;
– Jacob Trouba had 1G 1A
– Mark Scheifele had 2A.
Take a look at the advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick.
Jets audio:
Blake Wheeler
Jacob Trouba
Dustin Byfuglien
Paul Stastny
Predators audio:
Ryan Johansen
Ryan Ellis
Post-game Podcast:
Ezra and Drew break down the game from high atop the ice surface at Bell MTS Place.