Jets defeat Blues in shootout, extending winning streak to a franchise-record nine games

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This article was published 22/02/2025 (207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kyle Connor provided another not-so-subtle reminder of just how dangerous he can be with the puck on his stick and the game on the line.

The Winnipeg Jets’ sniper showed no signs of disappointment in being a healthy scratch for the championship final of the 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA, producing 10 shots on goal and 11 shot attempts through 65 minutes of play.

Connor took another shot with just under 28 seconds to go in regulation time that was tipped home by Gabe Vilardi to tie the game with the goalie out in favour of an extra attacker to ultimately send the game to overtime.

In what was the first shootout for the Jets since October 28 of 2023 against the Montreal Canadiens, Connor buried his shot on Winnipegger Joel Hofer and Eric Comrie took care of the rest as his team secured a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in the penalty-shot contest on Saturday night at Enterprise Center.

“I thought I had some good looks. It was one of those nights when I just couldn’t seem to get it past (Hofer),” Connor told CJOB after the game.

“At that point, you stick with it, you stay positive. I was glad I was able to contribute at the end.”

“…It’s those games that, late in the year that you need to get the two points, find a way to win. We were down and found a way to come back.”–Head coach Scott Arniel

The Jets, who extended a winning streak to a franchise-record nine games to improve to 40-14-3 on the season, are back in action on Monday against the San Jose Sharks.

“It was a good start to this last little stretch with a win,” said Connor.

“It’s a pretty cool record. It’s tough to win in this league, no matter who you’re playing every single night. To be able to rattle nine off, especially at this time of year, (where) it seems like the games ramp up and there’s the trade deadline and the end of the season, it’s only going to get tougher from here on out. So, we’ve got to continue this pace and continue striving and stay hungry here.”

Although there were a few things to clean up coming out of the game, the Jets did a great job of shaking off the rust after the lengthy break and showed plenty of composure and gumption to put two more points in the bank.

“You know what? I really liked our effort,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel told CJOB. “I like the way we came out, it was a great, great first period, and (we) did a lot of the right things. Even the start of the second was real good.

“I just mentioned to the team afterwards, those are the type of games where a lot of different things went on. And it’s those games that, late in the year that you need to get the two points, find a way to win. We were down and found a way to come back.”

Let’s take a closer look at what unfolded:

The rally

After taking leads of 1-0 and 2-1, the Blues evened the score 16 seconds into the third period when Robert Thomas scored on a wraparound.

Then with Jets defenceman Neal Pionk in the penalty box serving a rare double minor for holding after breaking his stick, the Blues took the lead when Pavel Buchenvich ripped home a slapshot with 2:50 to go in regulation and 22 seconds remaining in the initial penalty.

That meant the Jets had to kill off two more minutes before going back into attack mode and looking for the equalizer.

That’s when Vilardi provided another example of his excellent hand-eye co-ordination, finding his way to the front of the net before redirecting the shot from the right point by Connor.

“Our six-on-five has been real good all year. We have that attack mindset, which kind of started with our power play. I just kind of saw a lane. Obviously, we know what Gabe (Vilardi) can do with his net presence and his hands in tight,” said Connor.

“No set play. We talk about any chance you can get, you’ve got to get that puck to the net, especially six-on-five with numbers, there’s not a lot of ice out there. They try to take away your time and space, so it was just kind of take what’s available.”

Vilardi scored twice and is up to 26 goals for the season.

 

The streaks

The Jets struck first when Nikolaj Ehlers ripped home a one-timer after a perfect pass from Cole Perfetti on a two-on-one rush.

As Ehlers delivered his 18th goal of the season, Perfetti extended his point streak to six games.

Perfetti also had an important puck retrieval and assist on Vilardi’s game-tying goal and he’s now produced eight points during the point streak.

Jets centre Vladislav Namestnikov also drew an assist on Ehlers’ goal by making a smart play in the defensive zone.

That allowed Namestnikov to extend his point streak to five games (which includes seven points during that span).

 

The key play

Jets goalie Eric Comrie turns aside all three shooters in the shootout, while Kyle Connor roofs his shot in the penalty-shot contest.

 

The three stars

1) Kyle Connor, Jets, assisted on equalizer in the final minute, then scored in the shootout, finished with 10 shots on goal.

2) Robert Thomas, Blues, scores two goals, adds one assist.

3) Gabe Vilardi, scored two goals, including the one that sent the contest to overtime.

 

The extension

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff took care of a tidy piece of business on Saturday morning, inking Namestnikov to a two-year extension that carries an average annual value of $3 million.

That represents a raise of $1 million per season over the two-year deal that expires on June 30.

The move ensures that Namestnikov will remain in the fold moving forward and provides some stability down the middle for the organization, no matter what happens during the weeks leading up to the NHL trade deadline.

Namestnikov, 32, has suited up for seven NHL teams (and been on the roster of an eighth, the San Jose Sharks, before he was acquired by the Jets in March of 2023.

So you can see the appeal for Namestnikov to ditch the nomadic lifestyle and put down some roots with a team that clearly values what he brings to the table.

 

Extra, extra

Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and defenceman Josh Morrissey were back in Winnipeg this weekend to recharge after participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Arniel said on Friday that both Hellebuyck and Morrissey are expected to be back in the Jets’ lineup for Monday’s game.

Jets captain Adam Lowry was in the lineup for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury on Jan. 20 against Utah HC. He had three shots on goal, five shot attempts and two hits in 17:05 of ice time.

Jets defenceman Dylan Samberg was leaned on heavily with Morrissey out of the lineup, logging a career-high 26:40 of ice time. Samberg had two shots on goal, two hits and three blocked shots.

Comrie finished with 21 saves as he won a third consecutive start as he improved to 6-7-1 for the season. He’s up to 14 starts this season and is on track to eclipse 20.

Ville Heinola suited up for the first time since Jan. 16 and skated on the third pairing alongside Colin Miller, which left Haydn Fleury as a healthy scratch. Heinola had one shot on goal, two giveaways and two blocked shots in 12:16 of ice time.

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld