In previous years, the Winnipeg Jets struggled with a lack of secondary scoring. If the road trip to cap off the 2015-2016 was any indicator, the Jets have addressed that issue with the play of some talented rookies and showed poise and determination that helped them reach the playoffs last year.
The Jets opened the season in Boston to take on the Bruins. After a sluggish first period that saw Bruins forward David Krejci open the scoring, the visiting team stormed back for three goals in the second period. Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, and Drew Stafford scored in the second and Chris Thorburn, Nic Petan, and Alexander Burmistrov tallied in the third to down the Bruins 6-2. Petan’s goal was the first in his NHL career.
One night later, the Jets took on the New Jersey Devils. After scoring six goals, the Jets found their offensive production in the second period with another three goal output. Scheifele and Wheeler both scored their second of the season and Michael Hutchinson turned away 20 of 21 shots in a 3-1 victory. Ex-Jets made the scoresheet for the Devils as Jiri Tlusty scored with Lee Stempniak picking up an assist.
The New York Islanders moved to the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn and recorded their first win there at the expense of the Jets. Isles superstar John Tavares notched a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win. Despite the loss, goalie Ondrej Pavelec saved 40 of 43 shots and kept his squad in the game. Scheifele found the back of the net for his third goal in three games.
Playing back-to-back games can take its toll on teams. After a loss to the Islanders, the Jets showed poise and determination against the New York Rangers one night later. Mats Zuccarello opened the scoring for the Rangers 6:45 into the first period. Jets rookie Nikolaj Ehlers responded just 46 seconds later to tie the game up. Playing shorthanded, Bryan Little snapped a shot in the slot to give Winnipeg a 2-1 lead. The Jets never looked back as Little added another one in the third to secure a 4-1 win. Hutchinson was brilliant in net stopping 40 of 41 shots.
After the game, Ehlers reflected on his first four games with the Jets.
“It was a great experience playing my first NHL game in Boston and finishing off this road trip with three wins,” Ehlers said. “It was a great four games and we’re happy with the results.”
The Winnipeg Jets will look to build on their quick start when they return to the MTS Centre for their home opener against the Calgary Flames.
Photo by Star Roxas | Filipino Journal
