Note: The Jets finally ended their losing streak getting off to a very good start against a desperate Penguins team to kick off their two-game homestand with a big 2-1 win. Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers looked good reunited on the top line, Connor Hellebuyck was his steady self and Nino Niederreiter broke a 16 game drought picking up the game-winning goal. The team are off today for Superbowl Sunday and will be back on the ice on Monday to prepare for the Sharks who they face on Wednesday.
Note II: The Moose were playing catch-up in Grand Rapids last night as they finished a string of games against Central division opponents. First it was Jeffrey Viel who tied the game with a nice tip of a Kristian Reichel shot. That was followed by Ville Heinola blasting this shot early in the 2nd to tie the game. Just past the five minute mark of the final frame it was Brad Lambert with a wrister through a screen on the power play which tied the game for the third time in the contest. Kristian Reichel, who is on a hot streak of his own, was the only goal scorer in the shootout. After losing 11 straight (0-10-1) the Moose have completely flipped the script picking up 11 of 14 points in seven straight on the road which means they are just one point back of a playoff spot. Big part of this turnaround has been the play of Jets goalie prospect Thomas Milic who played both games this weekend in Grand Rapids. He stopped all six shots he faced in the shootout. Manitoba heads next to Calgary where they will face the Wranglers on Tuesday. They are travelling today.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Niederreiter ends scoring slump to help Jets snap five-game slide. The sense of relief was quite evident when Niederreiter put that puck behind Jarry for the second goal of the hockey game and his first in 16 games. Scott gives you his thoughts on the game.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Bowness answers fans’ most-asked question. It didn’t make any sense to keep Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers apart. This team needed a spark (desperately) and that’s just what those two ignited last night.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets snap five-game skid. (Paywall). Wieber gives you his assessment of the contest.
NHL.com: Hellebuyck, Jets defeat Penguins to end 5-game losing streak. I tweeted at the start of the game, after Connor Hellebuyck made a brilliant stop off a bad Jets turnover, he made it go from “Oh boy” to “Oh baby”. He was excellent in the Jets victory.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: ‘Careless’ 1st period dooms Penguins in Winnipeg. As you can see below we had Seth on the show yesterday morning as he knows this Penguins team backwards and forwards. Check out his recap of the game.
Jets video:
TSN: Jets snap five-game slide. TSN Hockey analyst Martin Biron discusses if he saw a significant improvement in the Jets’ offensive game in their win over the Penguins.
Jets audio:
Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday Podcast. On yesterday’s show we discussed the Jets five game losing streak. The reconfigured top six of Winnipeg at AM skate. Sticking with six D with Brenden Dillon suspended/not making a recall from Moose. Importance of starting the game right from puck drop. Getting contributions from complete lineup. Continued concern with Jets special teams. Moose update. We were joined by former NHLer J.P. Vigier to talk Jets and Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review to talk Penguins.
