Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves in his first game back after missing 12 straight to help the Winnipeg Jets soar past the Washington Capitals 5-1 Saturday night at Canada Life Centre in Nino Niederreiter’s 1000th NHL game.

Logan Stanley opened the scoring 9:13 into the first period with his fifth of the season. Morgan Barron added his second in as many games late in the first to make it 2-0. Alex Iafallo netted his second in as many games 3:39 into the second period, and Gabriel Vilardi added two more, his 15th and 16th, to lift the Jets over the Capitals.

Niederreiter became the first Swiss-born NHLer to play 1000 games. Drafted fifth overall by the New York Islanders in 2010, he has spent time with five NHL franchises.

Niederreiter has played 212 games with Winnipeg, 434 with the Minnesota Wild, 234 with the Carolina Hurricanes, 64 with the New York Islanders, and 56 with the Nashville Predators. Before the game, he was presented with a silver stick, the fifth awarded in franchise history, along with a tribute video.

Niederreiter’s milestone wasn’t the only thing to celebrate, as Hellebuyck returned between the pipes following knee surgery, one week earlier than the minimum 4-6 week return timeline.

The Jets struggled without Hellebuyck in the crease, going 3-8-1 while also battling issues on special teams. His return appeared to have an immediate impact on the penalty kill, as Winnipeg killed off four of Washington’s five power plays.

Jacob Chychrun snapped Hellebuyck’s shutout bid 16:32 into the third period on a 5-on-3 man advantage, but Hellebuyck still turned aside 24 shots and was named Second Star of the Game.

The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner was asked postgame if there was any lingering pain in his knee that he’d need to keep an eye on.

Saturday’s performance looked a lot like last season’s Presidents’ Trophy-winning team. The Jets got scoring throughout the lineup, special teams were clicking, and goaltending was solid. It arguably felt like the most complete game of the season in a much-needed win for a struggling club.

The Jets close out their four-game homestand on Monday night when the Ottawa Senators visit Canada Life Centre. Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. on Amazon Prime.