Winnipeg Jets: 3 Talking Points as the Jets Beat Dallas 4-3 in a Shootout
The Winnipeg Jets started their seven-game homestand with a 4-3 shootout win over the Dallas Stars. Here are three talking points from the game.
The Winnipeg Jets kicked off November with a matchup yesterday evening against the Dallas Stars at the Canada Life Centre.
This game was game one of a seven-game homestand for the Jets and they were coming into this contest playing good hockey as of late. The Jets were bringing a six-game point streak into this contest against a Central Division foe.
Before the game, it was announced that Connor Hellebuyck would not play due to the birth of his child. Therefore, Eric Comrie got his second start of the new season.
Eventually, this Divisional game went down to the wire and required a shootout to determine which team left the building with an extra point.
The Jets won the shootout and started November with a win. Here are three talking points from the Jets’ 4-3 win:
3. Jets Lose their Third Period Lead
The second period was an outstanding performance from the Jets. They went into the second period tied at 1-1 and dominated the play.
Winnipeg outshot the Stars 17-8 in the second period en route to scoring two goals and taking a 3-1 lead into the final twenty minutes of regulation.
Unfortunately, the third period did not go so well for the Jets. The Stars were able to score two goals within a four-minute span during the middle of the final frame to tie the game at two.
Leading up to this game, the Jets have shown that they are great at coming back from a deficit in the third, but they have not had much time playing with a lead.
Playing with a lead is something to keep an eye on during the Jets’ next couple of games. Winnipeg needs to stay on the front foot and attack their opponents with the lead rather than playing more conservative.
2. Jets Show Their Strengths in OT and the Shootout
Winnipeg came into this game having lost their prior two games that went in overtime. Winnipeg lost both of those games on the penalty kill in overtime and taking a penalty in three-on-three action is something a team can ill afford to do.
The Jets played to their strengths yesterday in overtime. They attacked Dallas with speed and possessed the puck by making simple passes.
Brayden Holtby played absolutely outstanding in those five minutes to force the game into a shootout. He made so incredible saves including stopping Pierre-Luc Dubois on a breakaway.
Winnipeg outshot Dallas 4-1 in overtime and did everything but score. Although the Jets did not score, there are definitely many positives to be taken away from yesterday’s overtime.
The Jets then impressed in the shootout. Kyle Connor was able to score in the opening round for Winnipeg while Comrie stopped Jason Robertson.
The Stars were able to tie up the shootout in the second round as Joe Pavelski scored and Dubois was stopped.
Comrie was able to come up with a crucial stop against Alexander Radulov in the top of the third round to set up an opportunity for Mark Scheifle, who was making his return to the Jets after being on the COVID Protocol, to score the game winner.
Scheifele made a beautiful backhand move to beat Holtby and seal the 4-3 victory for the Jets. The goal can be seen in the video below:
For the first time this season, the Jets won a game that went beyond the sixty minutes of regulation. Eric Comrie played extremely well in the shootout by stopping two of the three shots he faced to help Winnipeg win their first shootout.
1. The Point Streak Continues
Last night’s victory for the Jets extended their point streak to seven games and the team is currently undefeated on home ice.
It is also interesting to note that the Jets’ past four games, including this one against Dallas, have all been decided by one goal.
Winnipeg has been extremely fun to watch as of late and it has been a full team effort during this streak. Since October 19, Winnipeg has amassed a total of 12 out of a possible 14 points available.
It has been a “next-man-up” mentality for the Jets during this streak especially when they were without Scheifele and Wheeler. Now Winnipeg has a full roster with no apparent injuries or personnel in the COVID Protocol and they have a great chance to keep this streak alive.
Currently, the Jets sit in a tie for first place in the Central Division, on 12 points, with the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild.
The Jets will be back in action Friday night as they host the struggling, Chicago Blackhawks. Stay tuned to our site for a game preview for the Jets vs. Blackhawks game.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which player from the Winnipeg Jets impressed you the most in yesterday’s win? Leave your comments below!
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