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Despite a confirmed 12 defenseman dressed in this game, it looked like a game played with solely forwards. From the very start, it was obvious that very little time was going to be spent in the corners or along the boards. Just fine by me.
1st Period
The goals came early and often, beginning with a Nylander tally that started as a bobbled puck by Hellebuyck behind the net that, Winnipegger Adam Brooks was able to steal, collecting his first NHL point.
Wasting no time to extend the streak 🔥
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 3, 2020
Make it five straight games with a goal for @wmnylander! #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/UQH5U75VYa
Picks the pocket.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 3, 2020
Picks his spot.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/LxXAMj33iw
2nd Period
The Jets came out flying (ha-ha) and had the Leafs hemmed in their own end until the 4th line pressured Spezza enough to take a delay of game penalty. The result would be Scheifel stick handling into the Leafs zone and threading the needle to Connor who made no mistake, going low, far side with a wicked wrister. I’m giving the 2nd assist on that one to the 4th line for their hard work to earn the powerplay.
Walks it in and WIRES IT! 🎯
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 3, 2020
🚨: @KyleConnor18
ðŸŽ: @markscheifele55
2-1 TOR | #GoJetsGo | #TORvsWPG pic.twitter.com/vEGRXOpsiz
Inside ☑ï¸
— NHL (@NHL) January 3, 2020
Outside ☑ï¸
Absurd angle ☑ï¸@PatrikLaine29's checking all the boxes tonight. pic.twitter.com/8LQtejUB8f
Off the bar and buried the rebound. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/ZtC5YSUIsD
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 3, 2020
Quick on the draw 🎯#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/7lcDlWgRFI
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 3, 2020
Tavares would manufacture a call next by holding Shore and being a perennial star player with the entire leagues respect. Sorry Nick. A successful penalty kill later and Scheifele was feeling frisky, walking into the Leafs’ zone and absolutely whipping one by Freddy.
WHAT A SHOT!
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 3, 2020
🚨: @markscheifele55
4-3 TOR | #GoJetsGo | #TORvsWPG pic.twitter.com/DFCSSxFk0c
3rd Period
As previously mentioned, Brossoit came out to start the period and was tested immediately with two very difficult shots. 15 seconds in Kerfoot gets sent in, and with a stride on the Jets’ defender gets off a backhand. Then Gauthier sent one in front to Brooks, forcing Brossoit to make the acrobatic stop. Not long after, Nylander snuck in behind the D and received a Tavares pass that he tried to backhand between Brossoit’s legs. Welcome to the game Laurent.
There were just way too many chances for the Leafs in the slot today. I actually got tired of writing about all their chances and figured they had enough goals to talk about, but geez Jets; can we build that Byfuglien bridge please?
The Leafs would finish their scoring with a real beauty, as the Jets scrambled in their zone, Tavares got the puck over to Kerfoot who did not hesitate moving it to Nylander at the side of the net, and he lifts it over the sprawling Brossoit.
Tic-tac-tremendous!#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/IGpH7DSCjZ
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 3, 2020
The Jets are safe for tonight in their wild card spot, but I hope they aren’t feeling too secure about it with all of the competition in the West this year. Next game goes this Saturday, and it’s another one of those afternoon games that the Jets seem to love. This one starts at 1:00 pm against the Minnesota Wild, who will no doubt be seeking a measure of revenge for the 6 – 0 ass kicking they took last time. Let’s hope the Jets are ready for them.