If the hockey world needs more recognition that the Winnipeg Jets’ strong start to the season was no fluke, how about a convincing win over the defending champs?
The Winnipeg stars shone brightest on Tuesday night as the Jets routed the Colorado Avalanche 5-0 and improved to 14-6-1 on the season.
Blake Wheeler recorded his fourth career hat trick and finished with a four-point night as the Jets won their third straight game to open a four-game homestand, defeating the reigning Stanley Cup champions for the second time this season.
“No, it’s not just another game,” said head coach Rick Bowness. “I think the message we’re trying to send here is they’re worried about us. Everyone’s fine, they’re the defending Stanley Cup champions — yes, they’re a great hockey team and they are.
“But I think we’re starting to realize that when we play the right way, and the way we play and play together – that we’re a very, very good hockey club.”
The win moved the Jets to within one point of the Central Division lead by the Dallas Stars. The Jets are now 8–2 on the season against divisional opponents.
“We liked the way we played,” Wheeler said. “A little sluggish in the first period coming off the road, but a little bit to be expected. We just want to continue to build our game and perform clearly at home in front of our fans. And tonight is a step in that direction.” It was a good move.
Connor Hellebuyck made 40 stops for his third shutout of the season and 31st of his career.
“They can hold discussions, they’re a good team over there,” Hellebuyck said. “And they move the puck well and move around in our zone. But everything was under control where I was getting. And the players in front of me fought hard for those rebounds. I thought I won tonight.” Was part of and it’s a good win for the team.
Josh Morrissey continued his torrid pace to start the season with another goal and an assist. He has now scored four points in his last five games. He is also enjoying a five-game point streak with nine points in that span.
The Jets missed all three of their penalties against the most potent power play in the league.
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Wheeler opened the scoring for the home team on the power play when he ripped a wrist first through Alexander Georgiev at 9:18, one of only four shots for Winnipeg in the period.
The Jets thought they had a 2–0 lead early on when Mark Scheuffel tapped home a loose puck, but a Colorado challenge overturned the goal as the officials ruled that Wheeler had fouled Georgiev before Scheuffel could score. interfered with.
But early in the second, the Jets made it 2–0 for real, as Morrissey continued his rapid offensive streak when he blasted a shot from the point over Georgiev.
Later in the period, Scheifele found Cole Perfetti heading towards the Avs goal, who then made a perfect feed to Wheeler to loft into the open net.
Now, it has to be mentioned that the Jets have blown multi-goal third period leads twice in their last four games, only to win the game in OT.
There will be no such drama tonight.
Schieffel ended a 2-on-1 with Kyle Connor just 82 seconds into the third to give the Jets a 4–0 lead that the Avalanche could not chip away at.
Wheeler added his third of the night for good measure late in the third for his first hat-trick since 2019.
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Winnipeg is now off until Friday when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Pregame show begins at 5 p.m. on 680 CJOB, with puck drops after 7 p.m.
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