The Winnipeg Jets took care of the Toronto Maple Leafs and ended their six-game losing streak, winning 5-2.
The Winnipeg Jets took care of the Toronto Maple Leafs and ended their six-game losing streak, winning 5-2.
Connor Hellebuyck turned away 23 shots of the 25 shots he faced, and Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll allowed four goals on 24 shots. The Jets' top line was clicking on all cylinders, scoring all five Jets goals and combining for 10 points.
The Jets opened the scoring with a power play courtesy of Kyle Connor. He was first to the rebound after Gabriel Vilardi tipped a Josh Morrissey point shot. The tally was his 20th of the season and the eighth time he's reached the 20-goal mark.
The first period concluded with the Jets up by one and outshooting the Maple Leafs 12-8.
Connor added to his goal total early in the second period after Mark Scheifele blocked a point shot from Mitch Marner, took the puck up the ice and found Connor flying to the back post. With the Maple Leafs in need of momentum, Max Domi challenged Alex Iafallo to a fight, and the pair dropped the gloves, with Domi getting the takedown.
After Mason Appleton high-sticked Morgan Rielly, John Tavares scored his 200th goal as a Maple Leaf on the ensuing double minor.
With just 53.6 second remaining in the second period, Haydn Fleury exited the game with what looked to be a knee injury. Connor Dewar threw a hit on the 28-year-old defenseman but Fleury didn't react to that hit. Just moments later Fleury looked to twist his leg as he fell. The second period ended with the Jets retaining their one goal lead and the shots even at 18 a piece.
Scheifele restored the Jets' two goal lead after Vilardi was the first to knock down a bouncing puck and find Scheifele at the back door for a tap in.
Scheifele scored his 20th goal of the season which makes it 10 consecutive seasons of reaching the 20-goal mark.
Tavares added his second of the game to cut the Jets lead to two with 6:18 remaining in the third period.
The Maple Leafs pushed hard with the goaltender pulled to try and equalize but the Scheifele added his third for the hat trick and secured the two points for the Jets.
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