The young Alexander Burmistrov would probably joke that It was all according to plan. The Jets were getting the scoring chances but not the finishes in the third and needed a goal quick. Burmistrov was struggling after two bad penalties, but a game winning goal off a nifty play out of the penalty box sent the young forward from goat to GOAT (okay that’s a stretch).

The Jets opened up the scoring early with a Dustin Byfuglien’s 3rd goal of the season. Big Buff caught Toronto Maple Leaf netminder James Reimer cheating in his Reverse VH and picked the hole between Reimers glove and pads.

The Jets ran into penalty trouble and one of the NHL’s top power play scoring chance producers tied the game up with a backdoor feed to P-A Parenteau. The Leafs for a moment looked back into it, only to find Mark Scheifele picking up a loose puck from a fluttering Tobias Enstrom shot, pushing the Jets up ahead once again.

The Jets had the lead after the first, but were allowing far too many shots and chances. Things improved in that department in the second, but a goal from Leo Komorov driving to the net gave the Leafs the win in goals for the period.

Burmistrov was caught with his second penalty of the game, but was able to redeem himself fully with a sweet play. Burmistrov protected the puck with a drop pass to Blake Wheeler, then moved into the backdoor to receive the pass and redirect it to the back of the net for the game winning goal.

With the goaltender pulled after the Jets were already short handed, Bryan Little was able to pot his sixth of the season from a tough angle for the insurance goal.

Physicality – Yes, this is I, Garret Hohl. The Jets were able to push and push and push the Leafs. While the game started out even, eventually the Leafs cave to the constant barrage and bruising the Jets dealt out.

Burmistrov, the redeemed – What started to look like a game recap asking “what is up with Burmistrov” turned into a celebration of Burmi as the young Russian showed why he is not a player to give up on yet.

Dominant Third – The Jets controlled the play, out attempting the Leafs 24-17 and outshooting them 13-5. The Ladd-Little-Wheeler line played well, while Ehlers was exceptionally dangerous all night. It may have been Tyler Myers’ and Ben Chiarot’s best games since being placed together as well.

Winnipeg Jets individual statistics:

Shot attempt chart for all minutes:

Shot location for all minutes:

“Send Burmistrov to the AHL” (ignore that he’d get picked up on waivers)

“oh ya… sure…”