Jets earn five of eight points on four-game homestand
RECAP:
The Winnipeg Jets picked up a 4-2 victory over the visiting Montreal Canadiens on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday from Canada Life Centre.
The game was Winnipeg's fourth-straight at home, which saw the team conclude the homestand with five of a possible eight points.
Coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to Vegas on Thursday, Winnipeg fell behind early, as rookie defenceman Lane Hutson found his first career NHL goal, beating Connor Hellebuyck cleanly from high slot.
But it was all Jets from then on.
Gabe Vilardi scored on a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play from Josh Morrissey and Kyle Connor, before Nino Niederreiter found captain Adam Lowry alone in front of the Habs' net. Lowry's goal came on a strong deceptive fake from Niederreiter, who faked carrying the puck behind the net before finding his linemate alone in front.
Winnipeg added another on a five-on-three in the second period, with Connor hammering home one of his patented one-timers.
Montreal got one back midway through the third on a Josh Anderson chance from the slot.
With Sam Montembault on the bench for the extra attacker, Patrik Laine had Montreal's best chance, but Hellebuyck was up for the test.
Next up for Winnipeg is a quick two-game road trip through California mid-week, before returning home next Saturday for a test against the Wild.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PHOTOS:
The extended photo library from Saturday's game vs. Montreal is courtesy of Scott Stroh:
QUOTEABLE:
Connor Hellebuyck on Patrik Laine's 'Patty Flu':
"No flu tonight. He had a lot of shots tonight. He's a good shooter. But nothing for him."
Josh Morrissey on Connor Hellebuyck:
“He’s unbelievable, the best goalie in the league, in my view. I get to see it every night and probably take it for granted when you watch it over and over and over again. I was reminiscing about that the other day. I think when I played my 600th game, I was thinking about how I probably played about 500 at least with him in the net. That’s pretty lucky as a player. He makes it look easy, but I guarantee it’s not. Just a special, special talent, and really a generational goalie in my view.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
Winnipeg will now head out on the road for two games mid-week, before retuning back home for a test against the team's nearest geological rival in the Minnesota Wild. Games against San Jose and Anaheim will take place late night on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Comments