Jets win 45th game of the season
RECAP:
The Winnipeg Jets have improved to 45-17-4 on the season with a 2-1 home win over the visiting New York Rangers on Tuesday.
Vlad Namestnikov and Gabe Vilardi scored for the Jets, while Connor Hellebuyck picked up his 38th win of the season.
Mika Zibanejad answered for the Rangers, who were held without a goal following the first period.
Luke Schenn made his debut for Winnipeg and finished with five hits and five shot blocks in just over 16 minutes of ice time. Brandon Tanev made his return to Winnipeg and brought fans to their feet with his strong forecheck and quick legs.
Namestnikov scored the opening goal for the Jets early on in the first period, but Zibanejad scored on a Nino Niederreiter penalty later on, bringing things to 1-1 through 20 minutes.
Vilardi answered back with a power play goal of his own in the second period, before Dylan DeMelo looked to put things away with an early tally in the third. But Peter Laviolette challenged the play for goaltender interference and the goal came off the board.
The Rangers pulled for the extra attacker later, but Schenn, Hellebuyck and company slammed the door shut, sealing the deal on a 2-1 home win.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PHOTOS:
The extended photo library from Tuesday’s game vs. New York is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:
QUOTEABLE:
Scott Arniel on Brandon Tanev:
"Everybody knows him and knows what he does. Certainly has history here in Winnipeg. He can get underneath the skin of the opposition. He's quick though. He's a lot quicker... I know he was fast but you can really see his quickness. He's an energy bunner there. He just gets going and you like to see that. Puts a lot of pressure on the opposition."
Luke Schenn on his past week:
“Yeah, it’s been a whirlwind of a week. That’s an understatement. Obviously you’re not expecting to get traded and then it was Pittsburgh, you fly out to meet the team in Vegas, get flipped the next morning, fly back to Nashville. It’s just been a crazy week. Then on top of that, it’s been about six days since I skated. So, that was a little bit nerve-racking. I mean I skated here a little bit yesterday, but it’s was almost like having a double 4 Nations break with the time off. It was nice to get the first one out of the way there, and I appreciate everyone welcoming me in here.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
Winnipeg will stay at home for the week, with the Dallas Stars making a Friday night stop at Canada Life Centre in a huge four-point game. The Jets will then hit the road for a three-game trek out west beginning on Sunday.
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