The Winnipeg Jets knew exactly what was needed to clinch the third seed when they matched up against the Vancouver Cancuks last night.
All Winnipeg needed was a point and they would be seeded third in the North Division for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and have a first round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.
After the Jets lost the first game of this mini-series 3-1 to Vancouver on Monday, they made some lineup changes. Dominic Toninato replaced Jansen Harkins on the fourth line, Neal Pionk came in for Logan Stanley, and Connor Hellebuyck was given the start after having Monday off.
The Winnipeg Jets played outstanding en route to a 5-0 win and will now be seeded third in the division for playoffs
The Jets were ready to go from the start of this game and attacked Vancouver with speed and physical play. Ultimately the Jets were rewarded just under eight minutes into the game when Kyle Connor had a mini-breakaway and instead of making a move, he shot low and the puck found a way past Brayden Holtby to give the Jets an early 1-0 lead.
Winnipeg entered the second period up 1-0 and Blake Wheeler put the Jets up by two in the early stages of the frame when he took advantage of a loose puck in Vancouver’s zone and took it to the net and made a beautiful backhand move around Holtby.
Mark Scheifele was able to extend the Jets’ lead to three, six minutes later, when he redirected Wheeler’s point shot.
The Jets started the third period with a 3-0 lead and were looking for more. Blake Wheeler was able to score his second of the night on a beautiful give-and-go play between him and Kyle Connor.
In the last half of the third, Mason Appleton put the icing on the cake and scored to give the Jets a 5-0 lead.
Besides all of the scoring, Connor Hellebuyck played extremely well for the Jets in goal. Hellebuyck stopped all 24 shots the Canucks sent his way and picked up the shutout.
It has been a while since we have seen a dominating performance like this from the Jets and it was great to watch. With the win, the Jets will have an intriguing first round playoff matchup against the Oilers.
The Jets will conclude their 2021 regular season on Friday night when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Bell MTS Place.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Who was your first star for the Winnipeg Jets in their big win against the Cancuks? Leave your comments below!
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