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Winnipeg Jets Storm Back to Win Game 3 of Penticton Young Stars Tournament

Recap

The Winnipeg Jets outscored the Edmonton Oilers 2-0 in the shoutout, to win game three of the Penticton Young Stars Tournament.

The Jets controlled most of the first period. However, penalties hurt the Jets in the middle frame, as the Oilers' powerplay resulted in 2 of their 4 goals in that period. The Jets were plagued by some defensive zone breakdowns.

But Nikolaj Ehlers led a speedy Jet transition game in the third period, which featured two impressive goals by “the Great Dane”. Nic Petan and Adam Lowry played key roles as well.

Petan and Ehlers scored consecutive goals in the shootout, while Eric Comrie stoned the Oilers. Comrie’s acrobatic save on Leon Draisaitl was an amazing display of athleticism.

Ten Thoughts

  • The best players for the Jets were Nikolaj Ehlers (best overall) and Adam Lowry. Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl stood out for the Oilers.
  • Both teams looked lethargic at the beginning of the first period. It seemed like they were adjusting to the early start (11:30 Pacific time).
  • Ehlers was a threat every time he was on the ice. He has great speed, vision and timing. His goals in the third period were outstanding, but his vision of the ice was exemplified best by his assist in the first period. He gained the offensive zone with speed. He hesitated while two other Jets forwards drove toward the Oiler net. Then, Ehlers fed defenseman Brendan Kichton with a soft pass. Kichton roofed it into the far corner of the Oiler net.
  • Ehlers also laid out at least three solid hits on the opposition, by my count. He seemed to get under the Oilers’ skin in the second period, and drew a cross-checking penalty from a frustrated Oiler.
  • Adam Lowry played effectively in all three zones, using his size to his advantage.
  • Blomqvist had a strong game. He took some tough hits, including a knee collision and a slash to the face, but he stayed in the game. He also endured the loss of a skate blade on the far side of the ice. The big man crawled across to the Jets’ bench. Radio broadcaster Paul Edmonds likened his bladeless crawl to the sprawl of a young “Bambi”.
  • Darnell Nurse was a force for Edmonton. He seemed to control the puck, and stymie the Jets’ creativity. He was also strong in the offensive zone.
  • Jimmy Lodge made some nice moves, and set-up Jean Dupuy for a goal in the second period.
  • J.C. Lipon was strong on the puck for the Jets throughout the game.
  • Petan and Ehlers’ shootout markers were the kind of beautiful goals that remind hockey fans why they love this game.
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