Well, Patrik Laine did his thing. Thirteen goals in his last nine games. All three games in March? Multiple goals. Seven goals in his last three contests. Incredible. Did you know he’s still only 19? Either way, the kid lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-0 victory at the Garden tonight.
I don’t think enough could be said about Patrik Laine tonight. Remember the way I gushed about Henrik Lundqvist last time these teams met? Laine had me flipping out twice as hard. He’s now in sole possession of second place for goals in the NHL, behind Alex Ovechkin’s 40. In a game without much scoring or action, Patrik Laine provided all the fireworks we needed.
Overlooked in a game where all I could focus on was a poorly bearded teenager making me feel like none of my accomplishments were ever all that impressive? Steve Mason. Mason returned from that second concussion and posted a shutout. With how bad he was earlier, coupled with Michael Hutchinson’s untimely injury, this is a great relief.
Connor Hellebuyck is amazing but, at some point, we have to worry about the workload. If Mason can build off of this success, it puts some minds at ease. Hellebucyk is going to need rest to be fresh for the playoffs. Unfortunately, with such a tight division race, the Winnipeg Jets may need to use him more than they would like. It would be nice to secure home ice in the playoffs, after all. If Mason continues to play well, it’ll allow them to rest him a bit.
Now, I understand a Rangers team that traded away three of their top offensive players is hardly a great challenge. But they fought hard, and a shutout is a shutout. Mason stopped all 31 shots, and that ain’t bad.
Mats Zuccarello had the best chance, a brilliant deke and a wrap around. Unfortunately for him, Ben Chiarot got his stick in there and just directed it away from an open net. Aside from that, and the diminutive Norwegian in general, the Rangers were fairly punchless.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Vs New York Rangers Preview
Vladislav Namestnikov skated well, but more or less, the Winnipeg Jets made everyone else invisible. There was only one powerplay in this game, given to New York by a Blake Wheeler cross check. That was late in the second. Give credit to Henrik Lundqvist though, with a patchwork defense corps ahead of him. He was really good! But so is Laine. The speed at which he rips the puck off on those wrist shots, man, they’re in the net before the goalie can react.
Laine’s final goal was an empty netter with a little over 30 ticks left in the game. Love a natural hat trick, especially when it’s the game’s only scoring. Stastny, Byfuglien, Chiarot, Wheeler and Morrow all got assists. It’s the fourth hat trick for Winnipeg, joining ones by Nikolaj Ehlers, Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. Those all occurred within thirty days back in October-November.
White Out’s Three Stars
- Patrik Laine – What else did you expect? Two wicked wristers and a nice three pointer with an empty net. Unbelievable showing. Took the big stage and made it his, which is nice to see with the playoffs looming. (I realize a game against the Rangers at this point isn’t a big stage, but MSG always is. Elton John was there just like…a month ago)
- Steve Mason – A shutout is gonna get you a star. Normally the first one, but he’ll have to settle for number two. Let’s build on it against a better squad. Also, stay healthy, Steve. Concussions are no joke.
- Mats Zuccarello – He plays hard! A good complementary player on a contender. For the Rangers, he’s their leader now. Almost came away with a goal and skated well all game.
The Winnipeg Jets continue the road trip Thursday as they cross the river and take on the New Jersey Devils. I apologize in advance to the Jets players for having to be in New Jersey.