The Winnipeg Jets don’t seem to be slowing down. The team continues rattling off wins like it’s child’s play, retaining first in the Central with an 18-7-1 record. This team feels poised to have some serious fun this year, and nothing is more fun than sweeping a back-to-back. With the Blues dispatched on Thursday, the Jets needed to reset quickly and prepare for Chicago on Friday. Winnipeg smoked Chicago for 60 minutes and recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory, pleasing Jets fans the world over.
You could tell from the start that Winnipeg meant business. The Jets were faster and more dangerous than Chicago, creating chances off the rush and testing Arvid Soderblom early. Arvid did his best to keep the Hawks in it, but his efforts were for naught when Perfetti slid into the slot and rifled one over Arvid’s shoulder. It was a gorgeous snipe, and one that was reasonably overdue. Cole’s now sitting on 18 points for the season, second in rookie scoring. Dare we dream of a Calder in the near future?
Winnipeg wasn’t done. The Jets opened the second period with a quick power play goal, as Wheeler tipped a powerful Morrissey point blast into the back of the net. Blake’s been on a scoring heater as of late, and it’s about dang time. His shooting over the last few seasons has been subpar, but the past several games have given us a glimpse of his former scoring prowess. Winnipeg did give a bit of a greasy marker back to Taylor Raddysh, but it was the only goal Rittich would concede.
The Jets set about the rest of the game pummeling Chicago. Soderblom was all that stood between the Hawks and a 5 or greater goals-against record for the game. The Jets finally broke through late in the third, with Harkins feeding Lowry for a pitch-perfect snipe. The duo might have some legitimate chemistry forming, and I’d like to see Harkins remain in the line-up going forward. Maenalanen just hasn’t done enough consistently to stay in. With the 3-1 scoreline in hand, the Jets closed out a clean victory to move to 37 points on the year. Impressive, most impressive!
Five Takeaways
- Big Save Dave actually had some legitimate big saves this evening. He didn’t face a massive volume of chances, but he did enough to keep Winnipeg well ahead. That’s all you can ask for.
- Stanley, who had a solid game in his last outing, suffered further injury misfortune after a collision into the boards. He came back later in the game, but had to be pulled after a few shifts.
- Morrissey continues his warpath towards the Norris trophy. It’d be amazing if he can pull it off.
- I don’t know what they fed Harkins down with the Moose, but he’s been a different player since rejoining the Jets. He looks confident, composed, and dangerous on most of his shifts. It’s a welcome sight after a lackluster last few seasons.
- Did anyone believe this team would be first in the Central by December? If you say yes, you’re either insane or a liar. Either way, what a run it’s been. Bless the Bones Brigade.
