The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Oilers 4-3 in a game that seemed much more like a blowout.
Period One: Speed and skill.
The game started off on an odd note, with Edmonton taking a penalty about six minutes in. The first faceoff of the power play skipped right over the stick of Trouba and Connor McDavid took it on a breakaway. Instead of shooting, he left a beautiful drop pass about two feet in front of Hellebuyck for an easy goal by Leon Draisaitl. There are good players, and there are special players. McDavid is definitely one.
Just after that power play expired, Bryan Little was able to put in a rebound off the boards to tie the game at one. Little received a standing ovation, as it was his franchise-record 710th game. Later in the period, Joel Armia rifled a centering pass from former Oiler Matt Hendricks past Talbot for the 2-1 lead.
The Jets and Oilers both came out guns blazing in this period. Winnipeg, however, was forechecking with conviction and creating turnovers. Of course they were also committing them. The second best Finnish player in the game tonight, Jesse Puljujärvi, netted one less than ninety seconds after Armia to knot the game at two apiece.
Period Two: Speed and skill becomes physical punishment
This period was played with a bit more edge by these two. Perhaps looking to stop all the free runs they were giving out, they played hard. Kyle Connor slapped one in less than one minute into the period to take the lead, one they would never relinquish. Hard hits were aplenty in this period, and Mark Scheifele took an awkward tumble in the second. He left favoring his right shoulder and would not return to the game. Two points is two points, but you would give them right back for a healthy Scheifele.
Joel Armia added another goal on a breakaway after stealing a pass across the blue line. The goal was his sixth of the season, with all of them coming at home. In the fashion of this game, the score was answered quickly. Jujhar Khaira went top shelf to cut the defecit to one less than two minutes later.
Kris Russell had a piece of his equipment broken by a shot by Patrik Laine. His wrister near the end of the period almost crippled the game’s best shot blocker.
Period Three: Physical punishment begets vicious play
Things got especially chippy in the third, perhaps with Edmonton becoming frustrated at their poor play. They had a bold strategy, pushing hard on offense and allowing breakaways. They were probably betting on Cam Talbot, who was pretty good in this game, all things considered.
Khaira took a cross checking penalty about five minutes in, but give props to Edmonton on the kill. They killed off all four penalties and netted a short handed goal. Winnipeg has not lost in regulation when leading into the third, now at 16-0-1. Edmonton has also never beaten Winnipeg at home, at 4-0-3.
The Oilers emptied the net with almost two and a half minutes left, and put a barrage of shots toward Hellebuyck. He, and the defense, stayed strong and closed out the win. Helly wasn’t great, but he saved them when they counted.
Armia had two great chances to snag his first hat trick in the third, but Talbot knocked away both shots. Great game by the “throw-in” on the Tyler Myers/Evander Kane trade. Connor McDavid had the assist on the SHG but didn’t score, keeping Winnipeg as the only Western Conference team he’s yet to score a goal against. I’m sure it’s coming.
White Out’s Three Stars
- Joel Armia – The big wing played a solid game, and had two goals and a number of other chances.
- Matt Hendricks – Played with fire against his former team, coming up with an assist and a number of great defensive plays. Pushed hard on the forecheck too.
- Cam Talbot – Not a great statistical game for the Ghostbuster, but he played better than one could expect while receiving about as much help as Florida gets snow.
What’s Next?
The Winnipeg Jets host the Isles on Thursday, hoping to avenge their loss from last Saturday. Something tells me Steve Mason won’t be in net. Edmonton plays the Chicago Blackhawks at home that night, as well.