Winnipeg Jets: Three Talking Points as Jets Fall to Leafs 4-3 in OT

Mar 11, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) scores the winning goal in overtime past Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) scores the winning goal in overtime past Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Winnipeg Jets matched up against the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday in the second game of a three-game set between the sides at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

The Jets were looking to win their second game in a row after they won 4-3 against the Leafs on Tuesday night. On the other hand, the Leafs were trying to end their four-game losing streak.

It is fair to say that yesterday’s game did not disappoint. It was a fantastic game to watch as a hockey fan. Ultimately, the Jets and Leafs needed overtime to decide this contest.

Auston Matthews scored the overtime game winner as the Winnipeg Jets lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3

Here are three talking points from yesterday’s Jets vs. Leafs game:

3. The Winnipeg Jets Pick Up a Hard Earned Point

This game had all the makings of a postseason game. Both teams played fast and physical while trading chances throughout the night.

Throughout the game, the Jets had a one-goal lead twice, but the Leafs answered right away and tied the game both times. Eventually, Toronto had a two-goal lead with under seven minutes in the game.

Paul Maurice decided to pull Hellebuyck with around two minutes and 35 seconds left in the game and that decision paid off.

Nikolaj Ehlers took a shot from the point and Paul Stastny redirected the puck in the slot to tie the game at three.

This was one of those games that had overtime written all over it. Both teams deserved at least a point from this game and this was a great battle between the top two teams in the North Division.

2. Connor Hellebuyck Dazzles

Very few teams that allow more than 30 shots a game are going to be successful in the NHL. As a matter of fact, the Jets average 32.1 shots against per game, which is the fourth highest total in the league.

But the Jets are fortunate enough to have one of the best goalies in the NHL as their starter. Connor Hellebuyck had another outstanding performance yesterday.

Hellebuyck made 34 saves on 38 shots faced and made some spectacular saves. After this game, Hellebuyck is first in the NHL in shots faced and saves.

Hellebuyck was one of the main reasons the Jets were able to pick up a point from this game.

1. The Winnipeg Jets Finally Loses in OT

Up to this point in the season, the Jets have been outstanding in overtime. Before yesterday, the Jets have gone to overtime six times and won five of those contests, with the remaining one going into a shootout.

There is confidence around Winnipeg when they play in three-on-three action that they are going to win the game. For the first time this year, Winnipeg went in overtime with Toronto.

Winnipeg had a chance to score early in OT and had a three-on-two in front of Toronto’s net, but they could not slot the puck home.

The Leafs came back the other way and Auston Matthews slotted home a spectacular backhand goal to end the game.

This game is the first time this season that the Jets have dropped a game in overtime.

Winnipeg and Toronto will close out this series and play the deciding game-three tomorrow night (March 12) with puck drop scheduled for 6:00 p.m. central time.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your reactions to the Jets performance last night? Leave your comments below!

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