Winnipeg Jets win their first ever Central Division title (and are top team in West) as they defeat Hawks 5-4 in SO

Cole Perfetti in his first ever shootout attempt wins it for the Jets as they take it 5-4 over the Hawks. And the Winnipeg Jets win their first ever Central Division title adding two more points to their standings bank. They also clinch top spot in the Western Conference with with the Capitals losing have a five point lead (although Washington has a game in hand) in the Presidents’ Trophy race. Winnipeg improves to 55-21-4.

For those who would like to take a deeper dive into the advanced stats click here to see the results from the game via Natural Stat Trick.

Notable:

It was Logan Stanley‘s 200th NHL game this evening.

The Jets came out really well in the opening period with a 6-0 shot edge and then a power play. Unfortunately for the visitors Adventures in Hellebuyck showed up with the Vezina winner giving the puck up and the home team making him pay with a shorthanded goal. To add insult to injury they gave up a power play goal to Connor Bedard and were down 2-0 after 20.

Winnipeg fought back in the middle frame starting with a Nino Niederreiter goal on the power play which was his 17th of the season. Gives him goals in back-to-back games.

Then the Jets tied the game as Kyle Connor ripped home his 41st of the season which gives him goals in back-to-back games as well. Really nice assist to Alex Iafallo who showed off his jumping ability to snag a puck.

Winnipeg kept things rolling early in the 3rd as Josh Morrissey gave them their first lead of the game with his 13th goal.

His 14th would be very important as it tied the game late in the 3rd which got the Jets into extra time and with that extra point they clinched 1st in the Central (and the Western Conference).

It was a wild OT and even the shootout was decent.

Multi Point Game:

Josh Morrissey 2G
Kyle Connor 1G 1A

Highlights:

Player/Coach availability:

Illegal Curve Post-Game Show:

Up next:

The Jets are back home after the game where they will take on the Oilers tomorrow night which will be the second last regular season game. Start your day with the Morning Papers which will go live at 7 AM CDT tomorrow on illegalcurve.com, check back for any and all updates and then join us after the game on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.

Podcast:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS