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Instant Recap: Winnipeg Jets burn New Jersey Devils in 3-1 win

The Winnipeg Jets started off their six game road trip with a much needed win against the New Jersey Devils. The first period was played fairly evenly with the Jets holding a slight edge in shots on goal – netting 8 shots to the Devils’ 7. Mark Scheifele scored the opening goal of the game and the Jets were able to keep the Devils off the board and end the period with a 1-0 lead.

The second period was much like the first, as the Jets and Devils both had several scoring chances. A shot from Evander Kane was reviewed, only to be determined it was not a goal. However, Kane scored immediately after with a quick wrist shot off the faceoff win by Olli Jokinen. Each team had two power play opportunities but neither was able to covert with the man advantage.

The Devils came on hard in the third period, and came within one goal after Patrik Elias tipped in an Andy Greene shot from the point. The Devils would continue to push, however, Devon Setoguchi sealed the game for the Jets with an empty net goal to help the Jets secure the 3-1 win.

Some thoughts:
  • Jacob Trouba played his first game since suffering a neck injury against the St. Louis Blues on October 18, 2013. Trouba had a solid game in his return, playing 19 minutes and 59 seconds. It wasn’t a mistake-free game, but it was encouraging.
  • Mark Scheifele scored his first goal since the season opener with a laser of a snap shot off a nice pass from Michael Frolik. Scheifele’s game showed some much-needed improvement and his confidence appeared to be at a high. Scheifele showed great effort late in the game, back-checking hard to help his team defensively.
  • Evander Kane scored his first goal in 11 games and played a hard game making several hits, had six shots on goal and was a plus two.
  • The line of Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler had a tough game. They were out-chanced and had nothing going all game. After they gave up two short-handed chances in the second, Noel decided against using their line for the second power play of the game. Noel also split the line up in the 3rd period momentarily, which resulted in some scoring chances as Wheeler was put on a line with Kane and Scheifele, while Ladd was then put with Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. Little was put on a line with Matt Halischuck and Frolik and the line gave up a goal. In fairness, Mark Stuart was on the ice as well.
  • Mark Stuart had a Mark Stuart type game and continues to make his defensive partner look bad. Stuart blocked some shots and played a physical game, however, he continues to struggle to clear his zone and help his team break out of their own end.
  • Devin Setoguchi has had a tough week. After taking an Evander Kane shot in the cheek during practice, Setoguchi was hit high with a shot from the point from Tobias Enstrom. Setoguchi stayed in the game and played well, eventually netting the empty net goal.
  • Ondrej Pavelec played another solid game. Pavelec made several good saves and held on for his 100th career win.

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