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Victory from jaws of defeat

April 2, 2019, 11:39 AM ET [57 Comments]
Peter Tessier
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
How good did Kevin Hayes look last night in OT as he deked, ducked and dodged across the crease to beat Crawford and give the Winnipeg Jets the extra point in their 4-3 OT win?

How good?

That is exactly why Hayes is a Jet to provide that type of drive and play even if it is not a consistent part of his game.

With that win the Jets head to St. Paul tonight for a game against the Wild, a team they have not beat this season. Whether on the road or at home the Jets closest rival by proximity has had their number all season and there would be no better time to change that course of results than this game. The downside to a loss could be spun many ways but simply failing to earn single point against the Wild this season could be seen as a reason for not winning the Central Division as the Jets would 0 for 10 possible points.

Given the win last night and some heart-stopping saves last night by Connor Hellebuyck to keep the Jets in the game, will Eric Comrie get the start? Paul Maurice had hinted that Hellebuyck might get the remaining starts for the last four games on this current road trip but did the workload last night give reason to change course? This situation presents a conundrum for Maurice as Hellebuyck will likely start all playoff games but should he get some rest before? The other part is does he have enough faith in Eric Comrie?

This all comes down the magic number of four (4).

Any combination of a Jets win and Nashville or Blues loss right now that totals 4 points, (no OT) seals the Jets for the Central title. How many Jets fans just found a passion for cheering the Sabres tonight as they host the Predators? If the Blackhawks can do the Jets a favor tomorrow by beating the Blues this could all be over before Thursday's tilt with Colorado, but... the Jets have to win tonight.

Jack Roslovic had a game last night. Whatever got in his wheelhouse worked and unlike a few other notable Jets he was there to shoot the puck- it worked. Was sitting for Hendricks and watching the game the ticket? Was it a talk with alternate captain Mark Scheifele or was it all of that and more? Jets' fans just want it to be repeatable and preferably tonight.

The Byfuglien Cagguila tussle had many thoughts after it happened and while it appeared Buff appeared to be the aggressor did his penalty hurt or help the team? That depends on what side of the fence you are on with Buff. Let's be clear, taking that course of action was risky given the time of the game, the pressing by the Hawks and of course- 'momentum'. Another concern was the officials' refusal to call some retaliatory penalties earlier in the game. If Buff had gone off and not taken Cagguila with him OT may have been a far different outcome. Some glass half-full folks even suggested losing Buff for OT might have been a blessing.

Regardless, Hayes did what needed to be done. Now can the Jets do what they haven't been able to do all season and beat the Wild?
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