The Winnipeg Jets came into tonight looking for a solid performance after a poor display against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.
It is fair to say that the Jets played much better tonight against the Calgary Flames. It was not their best performance by any means, but the Jets did have some positive signs en route to picking up one point against the Flames.
This game was fun to watch and the teams traded chances throughout the contest. Eventually, the game required overtime and when no one found the back of the net in three-on-three action, the Jets played in their first shootout of the 2021 season.
Unfortunately for the Winnipeg Jets, they could not beat the Calgary Flames in the Shootout
Here are three talking points from the Jets 4-3 shootout loss to the Flames:
3. Hellebuyck Keeps the Jets in the Game
Connor Hellebuyck played absolutely outstanding in the third period for the Winnipeg Jets. The Flames dictated play for most of the third period and Hellebuyck was the main reason the game stayed tied for most of the third.
You can make the case that the Flames could have definitely finished regulation with more than three goals. In the third frame, Hellebuyck made 10 saves on 12 shots faced and some of these saves were amazing to watch. (One of these great saves can be seen in the video below):
Unfortunately, Hellebuyck could not get the win tonight, but his efforts were definitely deserving of a point.
2. Connor Impresses on the Jets’ Powerplay
Kyle Connor was the Jets’ star performer of tonight’s game. He led the line with two goals and six shots for the Jets.
Both of Connor’s goals came on Jets man advantages and you could not ask for better goals from the Jets number eighty-one.
The first goal came on a beautiful cross-zone fed from Mark Schiefele. Connor received the pass, got himself set, and fired the puck near side on Markstrom.
Connor then showed his one-timer skills on the Jets’ second goal. This time, Connor received a pass from Josh Morrissey at the point and he ripped a one-timer, again on Markstrom’s short-side.
Kyle Connor was outstanding on the Jets powerplay tonight and his goals were things of beauty
1. The Jets lose their first shootout of the year
Heading into tonight’s matchup, the Jets have needed overtime twice in their young season. The Jets won both of their games that went past sixty minutes and were looking to improve that record tonight.
The Jets did have some great chances to score in overtime, but they could not beat Markstrom and for the first time this year, the Jets needed a shootout to settle their game.
Monahan scored in the first round to put the Flames up 1-0, but Connor answered to tie the shootout at one. Both goalies stopped the next shots faced until Gaudreau stepped up in the fourth round and fired the winner home for the Flames.
With the loss tonight, the Jets record currently stands at 5-3-1 and they sit at fourth place in the North Division.
Fortunately for the Jets, they get another crack at the Calgary Flames less than 24 hours from now. The sides are scheduled to face off tomorrow (February 2) at 7:00 p.m. central time.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What did you think of the Jets performance tonight? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats and Videos Provided by the NHL*