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Winnipeg Jets: Three Talking Points as Jets Beat Maple Leafs 4-3

By Kieran Hurley

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 9: The Winnipeg Jets celebrate the winning goal by Mason Appleton #22 against the Toronto Maple Leafs during their game at Scotiabank Arena on March 9, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 9: The Winnipeg Jets celebrate the winning goal by Mason Appleton #22 against the Toronto Maple Leafs during their game at Scotiabank Arena on March 9, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Jets defeated the Maple Leafs 4-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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The Winnipeg Jets kicked off a three-game series against the, first placed, Maple Leafs last night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Many fans were curious about how the Jets were going to respond coming into this game against one of the best teams in the NHL. On Saturday night, the Jets lost to the Montreal Canadiens 7-1, in their worst performance of the season.

Fortunately for all Winnipeg supporters, the Jets put that game in the rearview mirror and they picked up both points from last night’s contest.

The Winnipeg Jets beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3

Here are three talking points from yesterday’s Jets win over the Maple Leafs:

3. The Winnipeg Jets Bounce Back

As stated above, the Jets went into this game coming off the back of their worst game of the year and in the midst of a five-game road trip. Not to mention they were going into a series against one of the best offensive teams in the league.

We’ve seen what a big loss has done to teams around the league, sometimes it starts a losing streak. With that being said, the Jets needed a big response.

The Jets did just that last night. They got back to their gameplan and were a new-look team compared to Saturday.

It was great to see that it only took Winnipeg one game to get back on track and with this win, the Jets find themselves five points behind the Leafs, in the standings, with two games in hand.

2. Connor Hellebuyck Leads the Charge

Before the game, there was a feeling that if the Jets were going to win this game, they needed a strong performance from Connor Hellebuyck.

Hellebuyck’s performance is one of the main reasons the Jets were victorious last night. He played absolutely outstanding.

Although Hellebuyck allowed three goals, he made 36 saves in the win. He faced 31 shots in the second and third periods and only allowed one goal.

Connor Hellebuyck is deserving to be named as the star of the game. He kept the Jets in the game at times and ultimately Winnipeg was able to get a lead and hold onto it.

1. Appleton Scores the Game Winner

The Jets started the third period with a two-goal lead and there was a sense of nervousness about Winnipeg protecting the lead, with all the offensive firepower the Leafs have. You had a feeling the Jets needed one more goal to get the victory.

Mason Appleton was able to up the Jets up by two in great style. After a great interception by Neal Pionk, the Jets attacked the Leafs’ defensive zone.

Appleton had the puck to the right of the Leafs goal on his backhand and he made a fantastic play to cut in front of the goal, while falling down, to move the puck to his forehand and slide the puck into an empty net.

From start to finish this whole play was a thing of beauty from the Winnipeg Jets. Everything from the interception to the goal was fantastic to watch.

The Leafs eventually scored in the final two minutes to put them within one, but the goal by Appleton was the difference in last night’s game.

The Jets will look to pick up another two points against the Leafs when these teams meet for game two of this three-game set on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. central time.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which Jets player impressed you the most last night? Leave your comments below!

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