The Winnipeg Jets beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on the back of Blake Wheeler who had a hand in every single goal. It was an interesting game that saw two goals in the first two periods combined before an onslaught of five goals in the third period. This was a great offensive performance for Winnipeg as they generated multiple odd-man rushes as well as two powerplay goals.

The defense played great too despite losing Kulikov in the first period due to an injury. Hellebuyck did what he needed in the crease and made a few great saves to preserve the lead in the third period. This was an all around great performance as the Jets downed the Avalanche in convincing fashion.

First Period

It’s always tough to play after coming off a long break. The team can either be a little bit slow as they ease back into the game or they can jump on the ice with extra speed and tenacity. It was the latter in the first period as the Jets came out of the gate quickly.

The chances came early as the fourth line created a turnover and left Petan and Copp on a partial 2-0. Copp couldn’t bury the feed but the fourth line continued their strong play throughout the period.

Both the Avs and Jets are known for taking plenty of penalties, and it was Colorado who took the first penalty in this one. The Jets red-hot powerplay didn’t take long to open the scoring as Connor buried a rebound from Scheifele’s shot merely eight seconds into the powerplay.

Moments later, it was Scheifele who found the back of the net as he made it 2-0 from a bad angle. The Jets ended the period up 2-0 and were definitely the stronger team to begin the game.

Second Period

The hope was that the Jets would be able to play the rest of the game like they played the first. Unfortunately that wasn’t quite the case as the Jets began to allow some more chances on Hellebuyck. The goalies stood tall despite some great chances from both sides.

Penalties continued to be a story as the Jets had another powerplay before taking a few penalties of their own.

It was the type of penalty that coaches hate. Nic Petan was chasing Girard on the forecheck when he impeded his progress and got called for holding. Taking a penalty to prevent a scoring chance is tolerable. Taking a penalty behind the opponents net while forechecking is not ideal. Regardless, the Jets were able to kill off the penalty as both teams were held without a goal in the second period.

With a 2-0 lead heading into the third, the Jets get to play from a position of power as they look to close out the game.

Third Period

The third period got off to a rough start as the Jets allowed an early goal to cut their lead to one. It appeared the Jets might let another game slip away before the floodgates opened and both teams traded goals. With the game now at 3-2, the Jets got an opportunity to regain their two-goal lead on the powerplay. Laine made no mistake as he scored his eighth of the year and fifth in his last three games.

The Jets finished the game with Wheeler adding the empty net goal. This was the perfect end for Wheeler as he already assisted on each of the first four goals. This capped off a five point night for the captain as the Jets took the game by a score of 5-2.

Talking Points

The Jets powerplay has been fantastic since the beginning of the season and they kept the goals coming tonight. The quick strike ability is outstanding as they scored both of their powerplay goals within 10 seconds of it starting.
Blake Wheeler had a career night with one goal and four assists. It was a great performance by the Captain as he continues to score at an impressive rate.
The top lines continued their dominance as the goal scorers tonight were Connor, Scheifele, Ehlers, Laine, and Wheeler. The high end talent is getting it done for the Jets.
The fourth line looked really strong at times during this game. Petan and Copp had a few chances and they spent quite a bit of time in the offensive end. It’s a good sign if the fourth line can start to generate some scoring opportunities.
This game was Marko Dano’s return to Winnipeg. He finished the game with 6 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time and recorded one hit. His role with the Avs is similar to what he had in Winnipeg, bouncing in and out of the lineup with minimal ice time.
Lastly, I love the Movember moustaches by the Jets. Wheeler looks great, and the interview with Scheifele during the first period showed his off as well. It’s great to see the support for the worldwide initiative from the Jets.