Mar 8, 2017; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Game Notes:

• It looked like a disaster early in the game for the Jets. Just 38 seconds in, Adam Pelech’s floating wrist shot eluded Connor Hellebuyck to give the Islanders the early lead. It looked like it would be one of those nights for the Jets. They’ve had way too many of those nights this season. But credit to the Jets, they weathered the storm and slowly got their game together. Two Bryan Little goals gave the Jets the lead at intermission.
• The Jets solid play continued in the second as goals from Mathieu Perreault and Adam Lowry increased the Jets margin. The Jets controlled the second with smart puck possession and strong zone play. Something that hasn’t happened with enough regularity this season.
• Things got nervous early in the third when Anders Lee capitalized on a Jets turnover and closed the deficit to two. It looked like the Islanders were going to mount a comeback, especially when you consider the Isles are in a midst of a playoff battle. But the Jets held firm for long enough and skated away with the win.
• Nic Petan has had an interesting week. After being a healthy scratch on Monday, Petan was at the centre of a firestorm that was not his doing on Wednesday during the Ask A Jet Twitter segment. Tonight, Petan was inserted into the lineup as Shawn Matthias was injured and let’s just say stuff happened. It looked like Petan had his first goal in 38 games after finishing off a gorgeous three-way passing play between he, Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers. But the goal was disallowed after video review showed Laine was just offside. (The offside rule will play a major role in the playoffs.) Then, Petan hit the crossbar with a laser of a shot that somehow didn’t go in. Petan did record an assist but he deserved more. Maybe he should be in the lineup.
• Chris Thorburn remains bad at hockey. Two needless penalties in the third period gave Jets fans heart attacks as the Islanders pressed. Fortunately, the Jets penalty kill unit was very good tonight as they were a perfect 100% on the PK, bailing Thorburn out. But the question remains. Why is Thorburn on the ice in critical situations? Better yet, why is Thorburn on the ice at all?
• Shout out to Connor Hellebuyck who after a shaky start, had a solid outing between the pipes. Hellebuyck stopped 27 out of 29 shots for a .931 save percentage. There’s room for improvement in Hellebuyck’s game but he is the goalie of the present and future for the franchise. More games like this are needed.

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