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Jets Dominate Devils with a 4-0 Victory
Following an exhilarating overtime victory against the Washington Capitals, many wondered if the Winnipeg Jets would experience a dip in performance when facing the New Jersey Devils. However, any concerns were quickly allayed.
The Jets showcased their strength by scoring two goals within the first two minutes of the game, ultimately finishing with a convincing 4-0 win. This victory propelled them ahead of the Capitals for the top spot in the NHL standings.
The contest kicked off with Alex Iafallo netting the first goal just 58 seconds in. Mark Scheifele initiated the play, carrying the puck from his end to the Devils’ zone, where he made a precise cross-ice pass to Kyle Connor. Connor then set up Iafallo in the slot, who executed a backhand shot into an open net as goaltender Jake Allen was caught out of position.
For Connor, this marked a significant milestone as it was his 50th assist of his career, coming in his first game after the birth of his daughter.
A mere 54 seconds later, David Gustafsson added a second goal, marking his return after an injury hiatus since March 6. The Devils momentarily had control of the puck in their zone, but a misplayed pass by Simon Nemec allowed Brandon Tanev to seize it. Although Allen denied Tanev’s initial attempt, Gustafsson was quick to capitalize on the rebound, scoring his second goal of the season and only the sixth of his NHL career, spanning 143 games.
The Devils managed to secure the first power play of the game later in the period, yet despite having possession, they could not convert. They held the Jets to just a single shot in the following 13 minutes after Gustafsson’s goal.
New Jersey briefly thought they had reduced the deficit when Erik Haula found the back of the net with 5:34 remaining in the first. However, the goal was disallowed after Haula collided with Winnipeg’s goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, and the Devils opted not to challenge the call.
As the game progressed, shot totals reflected a lull in offensive activity, with both teams struggling to generate opportunities. For more than 11 minutes into the second period, only one shot on goal was recorded.
The Devils had a chance on their second power play but failed to convert, and shortly after, Colin Miller drew a penalty, providing the Jets with their first power play opportunity. Despite a challenging power play season, Winnipeg’s special teams capitalized this time. After Allen halted a one-timer from Josh Morrissey, Nikolaj Ehlers was positioned perfectly for the rebound. Iafallo gathered Ehlers’ pass and scored again, extending the lead to 3-0 with 4:15 left in the second period.
Building on their momentum, the Jets struck again before the end of the period. Scheifele created a turnover against Brian Dumoulin and raced up the ice. After dropping the puck to Connor, who missed the net, Scheifele managed to chip the subsequent rebound into the net from the side of the crease, solidifying a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the final frame.
Entering the third period with a 15-13 advantage in shots, Winnipeg maintained their defensive effort, with Hellebuyck stopping all 11 shots in the final frame. Overall, he concluded the night with 24 saves, achieving his league-leading seventh shutout of the season—a personal record for the reigning Vezina Trophy winner.
In contrast, Allen made 15 saves in a tough outing for New Jersey. The Jets are set to conclude their homestand on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks.
Source
globalnews.ca