WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets survived a third period scare to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime at Canada Life Centre last night. Many of the 13,475 fans in attendance came to see Patrik Laine’s return to Manitoba.
Defenseman Josh Morrissey was nearly the goat, taking a retaliatory slashing penalty with 20 seconds left in regulation with the Jets ahead 3-2. That handed Columbus a power play which led to Oliver Bjorkstrand’s game-tying goal which sent the game to overtime. Nikolaj Ehlers scored on a breakaway just 21 seconds into the extra frame to give the Jets the win.
Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Dominic Toninato scored Winnipeg’s other goals. Eric Comrie stopped 33 of 36 shots to improve to 8-2-1 on the season. Adam Boqvist and Brendan Gaunce also scored for the Blue Jackets. Laine was held pointless.
After the game, Morrissey took full responsibility for his penalty, “I let my emotions get the best of me." He also thanked Ehlers for bailing him out.
The Jets' homestand wraps up tomorrow night when they face the Arizona Coyotes at 6pm (TSN3, 680 CJOB/Power 97).
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