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Winnipeg Jets are Playoff Bound after Win over the Calgary Flames

By Kieran Hurley

May 5, 2021; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) celebrate win with teammates against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2021; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) celebrate win with teammates against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although the Winnipeg Jets were on a seven-game losing streak, they had an opportunity to clinch a spot in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a regulation win over the Calgary Flames.

In anticipation of the game, Paul Maurice decided to make some lineup changes. Jansen Harkins replaced Kristian Vesalinen on forward and Ville Heinola came in on defense for Logan Stanley. Connor Hellebuyck was also given the start in goal after being given the night off on Monday against the Ottawa Senators.

For the first time since the beginning of the season, the Jets switched their defensive pairings around. Yesterday, Winnipeg used the pairings of Morrissey-Pionk, Forbort-Poolman, and Heinola-DeMelo.

These lineup changes paid off as the Winnipeg Jets shut out the Calgary Flames and clinched a playoff berth

Winnipeg was ready to go from the start of the game as Adam Lowry gave the Jets a 1-0 lead just over a minute into the game.

Adam Lowry extended the Jets lead in the second period as he scored a beautiful shorthanded breakaway goal. The Jets forced a turnover on their defensive blueline and they chipped the puck to center ice.

Lowry was the first one to the loose puck and was all alone from center ice. Lowry attacked Markstrom’s net with speed and made a fantastic move in which he went forehand-backhand-fivehole to put Winnipeg up 2-0.

Blake Wheeler was able to give the Jets a commanding 3-0 lead at the end of the second frame. Wheeler took advantage of another Flames turnover and had a semi-breakaway on Markstrom.

Wheeler made a beautiful move to his backhand, as a Flames’ defenseman was closing in on him, and lifted the puck over Markstrom’s shoulder to extend the Jets lead.

Wheeler was able to double his tally and put the cap on the Jets victory when he scored on the powerplay in the final three minutes of the game.

The Jets were able to shut the door on the Flames in the final minutes to give them the 4-0 shutout victory.

One thing to point out at the end of the game is the Jets dominated the special teams battle, which is something they had struggled with during this losing streak. Winnipeg went one-for-three on the powerplay while giving five-for-five on their penalty kills including scoring a shorthanded goal.

The first star of the night was Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck was back on his A-game as he stopped all 32 shots Calgary sent his way. This was Hellebuyck’s and the Jets’ first win since April 15.

Yesterday’s game was the last time the Jets were the road team in the regular season. The Jets’ four remaining games will be in Winnipeg at Bell MTS Place. That homestand begins on Saturday night against the Senators.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Who had the goal of the game for the Winnipeg Jets yesterday? Leave your comments below!
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