Connor Hellebuyck led the way as the Winnipeg Jets shut out the Vegas Golden Knights. It was a strange game where the winning goal was scored on the opening shift with Ehlers getting one past Fleury just 32 seconds into the game. Winnipeg ended up scoring twice more in the opening period before adding a fourth goal in the second. The team defense was mediocre, but the goaltending was great with Hellebuyck making several great saves to preserve his shutout.

Let’s take a look at the game summary.

One of the biggest storylines over the past month is the poor starts for the Winnipeg. They have often trailed early in the game and have needed to fight from behind to try and make a comeback. They were able to score first last game and were hoping to do the same against the Golden Knights. It didn’t look too promising as they took an icing call just ten seconds into the game and it had some fans wondering if they were going to fall behind on the opening shift of the game.

Things took an unexpected turn just moments later as Ehlers got loose through the neutral zone. He carried the puck around the net and threw it out front to create a rebound. It ended up bouncing off Reaves’ stick and past Fleury to give Winnipeg the lead just 32 seconds into the game.

Winnipeg kept up the pressure as Mathieu Perreault nearly scored in his return to action. Fleury came across the crease and made a really nice save to deny the scoring chance. Later in the first period, Winnipeg got the first powerplay of the game and the first unit went to work. Pionk let go a shot from the blueline but it got blocked before reaching the net. Luckily, it bounced right onto the stick of Laine who gathered the puck and beat Fleury to give Winnipeg a 2-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game.

Both teams traded chances for the rest of the first with awesome action at both ends of the ice. Both Harkins and Ehlers had great chances all alone while Hellebuyck was great at the other end. The Golden Knights had a few really dangerous chances but Hellebuyck was able to turn everything away.

As time was winding down in the first period, the Jets generated a two on one as Roslovic broke up a pass in the defensive end. He fed Connor a nice cross-ice pass who one-timed it into the back of the net. This goal marked the fifth straight game with a goal for Kyle Connor.

The second period featured more chances, although the game started to slow down after the frantic pace in the first frame. The Jets got their second powerplay of the game as Marchessault was called for hooking. The first unit went out again but this time weren’t able to convert. The second unit got their chance and they opened up a massive four goal lead as Perreault wasn’t stopped this time around. After having a great chance in the first period, he made no mistake as he went towards the net and slammed the puck past Fleury. After battling so much adversity this season, it was great to see Perreault back and able to get on the scoresheet.

With the game well in hand, the Jets played a clean third period and shut the door. The team defense earned Hellebuyck his sixth shutout of the season with the Jets blanking Vegas 4-0.

One of the storylines of this game was the young guys with the early outburst. The first period goals tonight came from Ehlers, Laine, and Connor. All three are under the age of 25 and the Jets are lucky to have such a talented trio of wingers. In previous seasons it’s been Wheeler or Scheifele leading the way, but it seems that the young players are ready to take over. As a fan, these three are probably the most exciting players to watch. Connor’s ridiculous stickhandling ability always gives a chance for a highlight reel goal. Ehlers on the other hand has the phenomenal speed and is mesmerizing to watch through neutral ice. Lastly, Laine’s shot always makes the crowd gasp. When he loads up a one-timer on the powerplay, the anticipation from everyone in the building is such a fun experience.

Dear Cheveldayoff, please keep all three of these guys as long as possible.

Winnipeg is slowly getting some bodies back to full health as Mathieu Perreault was back in the lineup for the first time since January 31. Not only did he return to action, but he earned a huge ovation from the crowd after scoring a powerplay goal in the second period.

That goal snapped a long drought and it’s great to see Perreault back in the lineup. He certainly gives the fourth line a much needed boost with his energy and great forechecking ability.

The last storyline and perhaps the biggest, was the sensational play of Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets didn’t do him any favours as they allowed the Golden Knights to get some really dangerous chances in the first period. It didn’t matter what was thrown his way, he stopped everything. Hellebuyck had excellent rebound control in this game and didn’t allow any second chances on net. He played the angles really well and made a few scrambling plays when needed. It was an overall terrific performance by the netminder who is well on his way towards the Vezina trophy (and maybe even the Hart…).