WINNIPEG - For the first time since early January, the Winnipeg Jets have a three-game win streak going after a 3-2 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday night at the KeyBank Center.
The win was even more impressive due to the fact the Jets were without their leading scorer. Kyle Connor (along with Nate Schmidt) was placed in COVID protocol prior to the morning skate as the team had to test before crossing the border for tonight’s game in Toronto.
The Jets started slow again, managing only 5 shots on net in the first period compared to 13 for the Sabres; Zemgus Girgensons’ goal at 14:39 gave Buffalo the 1-0 lead. Early in the second, Blake Wheeler tipped a Pierre-Luc Dubois shot at the goal line to tie things up. Girgensons and Mason Appleton added goals and after a scoreless third period, regulation ended in a 2-2 tie.
Overtime didn’t solve anything; Dubois, Wheeler, and Mark Scheifele all beat Buffalo netminder Craig Anderson in the shoot-out for the Winnipeg win. Anderson stopped 25 shots by the Jets; Connor Hellebuyck made 35 saves for the win and was sensational, particularly in the first period.
The Jets finish up their quick road trip tonight in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. The Jets have a chance to grab their 11th win which would be their best-ever March in club history. Puck drop is 6pm (TSN3, 680 CJOB/Power97).
What do you think?