3 Talking Points: Winnipeg Jets Beat Canadiens 3-2 in Overtime

The Winnipeg Jets opened their three-game home stand with a 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens. Here are three talking points from the game.

Last night, the Winnipeg Jets returned home after their western swing to take on the Montreal Canadiens at Canada Life Centre.

This was the Jets’ first meeting with the Canadiens this season, and they won’t meet again until mid-January. The Jets won the 2021-22 season series 2-0, outscoring the Canadiens 12-6.

After revealing that Morgan Barron would be out for an extended period of time, the lineup shuffled significantly. Dominic Toninato stepped in, Sam Gagner moved to the top line, and Mason Appleton dropped to the third line. Connor Hellebuyck started for the second consecutive game.

3. Gagner Impresses in Bigger Minutes

Being thrust into a bigger role, Sam Gagner looked to settle in well. After spending most of his season in the bottom six, injuries have opened a spot for him to thrive beside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele.

Gagner registered an assist on Pierre-Luc Dubois’ power play marker in the first period while also recording two shots on goal. He has been a playmaker for the vast majority of his career, and it appeared that his skill remains even as he gets further into his career.

Looking deeper, Gagner had an individual 5v5 Corsi (shot attempts) of 50% and a 50% expected goals percentage. While he largely broke even in the game, doing so is a promising indicator. Playing in the bottom six usually means you aren’t playing with talented contributors, so his early season numbers have been less than exciting.

*Stats courtesy of MoneyPuck*