What started out as almost a humdrum affair, quickly became a barn burner for the Winnipeg Jets. Facing their former depth goalie Eric Comrie, in his first start of the season, the Jets were relentless in their attack.
It didn’t start that way however, as the Wings came out strong in the first 5 and a half minutes, outshooting the Jets 6 – 1, and doing it with mayhem and malice in front of Laurent Brossoit. Gabriel Bourque, in his first game since sustaining an injury back on November 5th, brought some energy to the building with an early, solid hit. Adam Lowry must have liked what he saw, because when Winnipeg born Dylan McIlrath went in for contact, he was ready, sending the 6’5” 231 lbs defender onto his keister.
The Jets first powerplay looked anemic, but their penalty kill was effective as Lowry and Copp rushed down ice 2 on 1 to score a somewhat controversial goal. Comrie, having made the initial save off Copp, reached with his blocker hand to cover the puck as Lowry banged away at it. The call on ice was good goal, and it remained that way despite coach Jeff Blashill’s challenge. What do you think?
Before the period ended, Nick Shore would have a fantastic chance to score his first as a Jet, cutting into the slot and narrowly missing the net. Then with seconds left, Hronek would make a stellar defensive play, laying down to deny Connor a pass across to Scheifele on another 2 on 1. Upon sliding into the corner, he would take offense to Connor’s stick between the legs and then really lose it when Connor swatted him across the face to send him back down to the ice. A little chaos would ensue, but I don’t think anyone else was mad enough for the Wings to make any more of it.
The Jets finished the 1st with a string of 9 consecutive shots, and they would keep that going into the 2nd. After Poolman gave up a little whoopsy-daisy into the slot, thereby gifting Detroit a quality chance, Roslovic would be sprung on a breakaway and denied.
It was around that time Brossoit would have to cede the net to Hellebuyck, heading to the dressing room for an equipment adjustment of sorts. Hellebuyck played a ripe 1:09 and faced 2 shots, and as it turned out, just enough time to spoil Brossoit’s first shut out of the season. Not that it’s a controversy with this tight knit team, but that marks the second time this year that Hellebuyck has entered the game briefly to take something away from his back up. The first, of course, being the win in Columbus when Brossoit had to leave after tweaking something. Hellebuyck would come in just in time for the go-ahead goal, and get the win. Hang in there Brossoit, you'll get yours yet.
The Red Wings would get on the board next, with a goal that would come as a result of newly called up, 2018 1st round pick Filip Zadina, forechecking nicely to steal the puck and get it to Ehn, who would do the dirty work and get a greasy one. The Jets would work their third powerplay without much happening, until Laine attempted a lacrosse style goal that was impeded by the Red Wing’s defender. The bomb was about to go off though.
After Paul Maurice decided to swap Roslovic with Perreault, some quick work along the boards between Ehlers and his new linemate culminated in a pass to Wheeler in the slot for a wicked wrister going top cheese. Mmm cheese.
Shortly after, a hard-working shift would result in an Andrew Copp deflection, off a Morrissey shot from the point, and the Jets were up by 2.
A grand total of 11 seconds later, Laine would have one of his sauciest of the year. Taking a pass from Connor and going mano-a-mano with Dennis Chowlowski, he would shimmy shake his way past the young defender and backhand forehand Comrie, showing off his slick mitts and finish. Later in the intermission he would remark that, having practised for so long with Comrie, he knew what to do. And, of course he said it wearing his trademark grin. Kid’s got personality.
The third period would have to be played, though we all kind of knew this game was over. It’s bad in Detroit these days, but that didn’t stop the young team from giving it their all. Comrie especially, as he was forced to make save after save, including a dandy off Roslovic in close, which ricocheted back off of his own defender’s skate and required practically doing the splits to get a toe on. A tough outing for his first of the year, and you have to wonder if they’ll get any easier.
The Red Wings would then take another penalty, and 4 seconds later Mark Scheifele had his 14th goal of the season. Yay!
The Jets, accruing 4 goals in just 8 minutes and 21 seconds, might have skated out the remaining 15 minutes of the game however, Beaulieu flipped a puck over the glass while on the kill, and a 5 on 3 was awarded to the Red Wings.
The penalty kill was again impressive, even down 2 men they pressured the Red Wings to make quick plays and stifled them repeatedly. It was nice to see from the 25th ranked penalty kill in the league, of course, it was against the 27th ranked powerplay. Still, not complaining.
Either way, it was great to see the Winnipeg Jets not play to their competition, as has been the case at times this season. It was certainly a ticket well worth purchasing for all those in attendance last night. And with the win, the Jets remain in the number 3 spot in the Central with 40 points. Just 1 point back of the Colorado Avalanche, despite playing one more game. Worth noting that Dallas is still nipping at their heels with 39 points, though they have played one more.
So, onto Motor City, where the Jets will look to take another 2 points. This time with hometown Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. Let’s hope for more of the same, shall we?
Winnipeg Jets Blogger • 
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