A win on Friday night felt like a must — and the Winnipeg Jets delivered in dominant fashion. They tore apart the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the second round, shutting them out 4–0 behind a statement performance from Hart Trophy finalist Connor Hellebuyck.

Hellebuyck was locked in from puck drop, making key saves throughout the night en route to a 21-save shutout — his first in the playoffs since the 2021 series against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Canada Life Centre echoed with chants of “MVP” as Hellebuyck stood tall, especially in the second period where he turned aside several high-danger chances. It was a vintage performance that led the Jets to a must-win victory — and one that reminded everyone just how elite of a goaltender he is.

In Game 1, Mikko Rantanen torched the Jets, scoring three straight goals to record his second consecutive hat trick — carrying over from Game 7 of the previous series — and netting the game-winner in a 3–2 loss for Winnipeg.

But in Game 2, he was nearly invisible.

The Jets knew exactly what needed to be done: have a body on him at all times.

After Game 1, head coach Scott Arniel emphasized the need for tighter coverage.

“Whenever you face elite players, you have to know where they are. Obviously, he’s feeling it coming off of Game 7. We’ve got to know when he’s on the ice. He’s a guy that you have to make sure especially you tie up that stick of his.”

Mission accomplished.

Nikolaj Ehlers doubled the Jets’ lead to 2–0 with a bank shot off Esa Lindell’s skate and past Jake Oettinger. Later, he capped off the night with an empty-netter to seal the 4–0 win.

While his first goal was a lucky bounce, Ehlers was one of Winnipeg’s best forwards all night — and Scott Arniel didn’t hold back with the praise.

“He was dominant,” Arniel said. “He had the puck a lot. I liked the fact that he attacked the net a bunch of times with the puck. We need his line, and we need him doing what he did tonight. We’re a tougher threat when we have all of our pieces going like that.”

That first goal was Ehlers’ first in the playoffs since May 23, 2021, when he scored an overtime winner in Game 3 against the Oilers — 1,082 days ago.

The Jets now head to Dallas for Games 3 and 4, with the series tied at one. Game 3 is set for 3:30 p.m. CT on Mother’s Day and will be broadcast on Sportsnet West. Be sure to check out the Pre-game Report at JetsNation.ca for everything you need ahead of puck drop.