Jets battle back from deficits, win in OT with depleted lineup. Young gun's heroics seal thrilling return from Olympic break.
The opened the post-Olympic portion of their schedule with a resilient 3–2 overtime victory over the on Wednesday night, overcoming multiple deficits despite a depleted lineup.
Missing star goaltender, top defenceman and middle-six forward, the Jets leaned on timely scoring and a strong team effort in their first game back from the Olympic break. Vancouver, meanwhile, entered the contest well-rested after sending few players to the Games and showed early jump.
The Canucks struck just two minutes into the game when slipped a quick five-hole shot past for a 1–0 lead.
Winnipeg’s top line answered as Mark Scheifele threaded a deceptive backdoor pass to Kyle Connor who buried the equalizer to make it 1–1.
Vancouver regained the lead just 38 seconds into the second period off a clean draw, as trade-speculation target snapped a quick shot past Comrie to restore the advantage.
Once again, the Jets pushed back. Late in the second period, got a stick on a point shot and tipped it home, sending the game to the third period tied 2–2.
After a tightly checked, scoreless third, the contest required overtime. The winner came off a heads-up play from captain Adam Lowry, who banked the puck off the side of the net. The rebound kicked perfectly into the slot for Cole Perfetti, and the young forward wired home the game-winner.
It was a hard-fought result for Winnipeg, one that sets a positive tone as they continue their push through a challenging stretch of games. The Jets will look to build on the effort when they return to action Friday against the .
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