The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Calgary Flames on Monday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, 2-1. Winnipeg earned its fifth consecutive victory. The team is now 5-1-0 on the year. Although it is still very early in the season, the goal-starved Flames look like they may be contenders in the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes next year.
Connor Hellebuyck in form early
Hellebuyck chalked up another victory for the Jets. In previous years, he typically took a month or two to round into his dominant regular season form. This year, he has been in Vezina form in all but maybe the first game of the season. Assuming he will be the starter for Team USA at the Olympics, it is very important for coach Scott Arniel to pace the goalie’s workload.Hellebuyck needs to rested and ready for hopefully a lengthy playoff run in the spring.
Whenever he was called upon last year, Eric Comrie gave the Jets quality starts for the most part. Hopefully his total number of games will tick-up even more this year.
Toews scores first as a Jet
It took six games, but Jonathon Toews finally scored his 1st goal in a Jets uniform during the third period, on the PP. It was a huge moment for the Winnipeg native. He has now four points (1G, 3A) in 6 games. He continues to be elite in the faceoff circle as he is above 60%.
Scorching Scheifele
Mark Scheifele’s game winning goal was his seventh of the season. For now, he is tied for the league lead in goals. It will be an intriguing storyline if he can hover around that 50-goal pace during the season. Not to mention, he is also competing for a spot on the Canadian Olympic Team.
Abysmal 5 on 5 play
Although their record is 5-1 which is the amonf best in the league, the Jets 5-on-5 play to start this season has been terrible. All their skaters are under 50% in possession numbers at full strength. If they didn’t have the best goaltending and special teams to start the season, their record could easily be 1-5. The only silver lining is that thus far, they have been missing a few key players (Adam Lowry, Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg) due to injury. Hopefully, as the injured players return, the 5 on 5 play will get better.
The Jets begin a three-game homestand Thursday night when they host the Seattle Kraken.
