Ondrej Pavelec reportedly leaves MTS Centre on crutches after being run by Coyotes’ Doan

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec may be out for a while.

The Jets’ usual starter was violently run by former Jets version 1.0 forward, and current Arizona Coyotes captain, Shane Doan during the second period of Saturday night’s 3-2 Jets victory. 

According to CTV’s Shawn Churchill, Pavelec left the rink on crutches, which would imply that he may be out for a while. 

You can watch a .gif of the collision here:

(Courtesy: Hooked on Hockey Magazine)

Jets coach Paul Maurice, obviously, didn’t particularly like the play:

And now the Jets will be without their most frequent starting goaltender for an undefined period of time.

Pavelec is probably a below average starting goaltender, which is how he’s performed again this season. In 15 games, Pavelec has managed an uninspiring .906 save percentage. Though Pavelec’s performance has been a bit up and down, there’s no denying that he’s been more consistent than Michael Hutchinson.

With Pavelec injured, the Jets will likely call up Manitoba Moose starter Connor Hellebuyck who has been spectacular for True North’s offensively challenged AHL club. In 10 games this season Hellebuyck has managed a sparkling .927 save percentage, building on a stellar performance last year in his rookie campaign as a professional puck stopper.