Winnipeg Jets: 3 Talking Points as Jets Complete the Sweep in Triple OT

The Winnipeg Jets had the opportunity last night to sweep an opponent in a playoff series for the first time in franchise history when they matched up against the Edmonton Oilers in game four at Bell MTS Place.

Even though game three and four were on back-to-back days, Winnipeg kept the same exact lineup for the second straight game on consecutive nights.

Heading into this game, the prior two games in this series went beyond the 60 minutes of regulation and needed overtime to be decided.

Last night was no different  as the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers needed three overtime periods to decide game four

In another instant classic between Winnipeg and Edmonton, the Jets were able to break the 3-3 tie just under seven minutes into the third overtime to win the game and complete the sweep.

Here are three talking points from yesterday’s series ending Jets win:

3. Jets’ Top Line Leads the Way

This whole series was a complete team effort from the Winnipeg Jets. Every player that was called upon to play for Winnipeg has chipped in at some point. Whether that player added in on the scoresheet or helped shut down the Oilers’ forwards, every Jets player contributed to the sweep.

Last night, it was all about the Jets’ top line of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, and Kyle Connor.

Out of the four goals that the Jets scored last night, this line contributed three of the goals. Mark Scheifele scored the first goal of the game to open the scoring in game four then he scored a crucial goal in the third to tie the contest in the third.

Kyle Connor then ended the game in the third overtime. In total this line had three goals and three assists.

This line was absolutely outstanding for Winnipeg and it was extremely fun to watch them lead the Jets to victory.

2. The Jets Complete Another Comeback Win

For the second straight game, the Oilers had a third period lead. Although it was nothing like Sunday’s game when Edmonton had a three goal lead in the final frame, the Oilers took a one-goal lead into the third period last night. Regardless of the margin of the lead, Winnipeg still needed a response.

In total the Jets had five shots in the third of yesterday’s game. Edmonton made it extremely tough for Winnipeg to get pucks through to Mike Smith’s net. The Oilers clogged lanes in their defensive zone and made Winnipeg get through several layers of defense.

Winnipeg was able to capitalize on an Edmonton turnover to tie the game in the third and ultimately force the game into overtime.

Through out this series the Jets showed the hockey world that even when they look down and out, don’t count them out.

1. Kyle Connor Ends the Series

Overtime was a roller-coaster of emotions for Winnipeg and Edmonton supporters. These teams traded chances, but no-one could find a way to beat Connor Hellebuyck or Mike Smith.

In the third overtime, Neal Pionk made an outstanding play to knock a Connor McDavid chip-in on the near side wall in the defensive zone.

Pionk then passed the puck up the wall to a streaking Kyle Connor, who had a semi-breakaway. Connor then released a beautiful shot that beat Smith on his far side to end the game.

From start to finish this goal was an absolute thing of beauty. From Pionk’s fantastic defensive play and breakout pass to Connor’s wicked wrist shot that found the back of the net, Winnipeg supporters could not ask for a better way to end the series.

The Jets will face the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens series in the second round. Currently the Leafs have a 2-1 series lead and game four of this series is tonight.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which team do you want the Winnipeg Jets to face in the second round of the playoffs? Leave your comments below!

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