Recap:
A sluggish first period wasn’t enough to keep the Winnipeg Jets from attaining victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Heading into the second period down by two Sidney Crosby goals, the Jets’ answered with three of their own from Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd, taking a 3-2 lead into the game’s final stanza.
Both teams would trade chances through the third but Czech goaltenders Ondrej Pavelec and Tomas Vokoun stood tall, thwarting off any and all efforts before a Blake Wheeler empty net goal sealed Winnipeg’s 4-2 victory.
With the win, the Jets have now won two games in a row and sit at 2-1-1 on the season, good enough for a very premature second place in the NHL's Southeast Division.
The Pens, for their part, have dropped their second in a row to Canadian teams and will head home looking for answers.
The Jets will now set their sights on John Tavares and the New York Islanders, whom they will host Sunday evening.
Ten Thoughts:
F*** Sidney Crosby! Seriously f*** that guy. I would be more than happy if he never came back. I don't want anybody scoring against our squad. Luckily the Jets were able to overcome Sid's early onslaught.
Toby Enstrom won a couple 1 on 1s vs Sid the Kid. Too bad he can't go the full 60. The Jets' under-manned defensive unit continues to do an admirable job.
Blake Wheeler started the season and the game a little slower than he'd probably like, but he and Kane have found some real high speed chemistry. The numbers had them scoring at ridiculous rates when paired together last season. Glad to see them getting off to a hot start.
Seriously guys, let Evander Kane shave whatever he wants into his head and leave him alone. He has consistently been one of Winnipeg's best players and has four points in his last two games. Seems like the idea of pairing him with Blake Wheeler has been a recipe for success.
Beautiful goals! Some amazing tape to tape passing led to the Evander Kane and Andrew Ladd goals. It was the Jets who scored Pittsburgh Penguin goals tonight.
Who would have thought our best players would out-play the Penguins best players? Obviously the Pens' talent level is elite, but the Jets do have a couple top flight players of their own.
Ondrej Pavelec was really sharp. Jets fans could get used to another 30-something of these performances.
The MTS Centre was absolutely rocking tonight. Kudos to all those in attendance.
