 Mark Scheifele (55) and Gabriel Vilardi (13) celebrate goal against NYR Nov 12 2024 (Winnipeg Jets Facebook)2.jpg)
The Winnipeg Jets soared to a decisive 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden last night, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience.
Mark Scheifele set the pace, scoring just 57 seconds into the game. The Rangers countered late in the first period with a goal from Will Cuylle, bringing the score to 1-1.
Midway through the second, Gabe Vilardi netted a power-play goal, giving the Jets a 2-1 lead. The Rangers responded before the period ended, tying it up once again.
Then, Kyle Connor, who hadn’t scored in five games, found the back of the net for his team-leading 10th goal of the season. His effort boosted the Jets to a 3-2 lead and demonstrated the squad’s balance and scoring ability across lines.
"It's not just a one-trick pony. If one line has an off night, we usually have two or three going and that can pick it up. I think that's what makes us so dynamic," said Connor after the game.
"And it starts in our own zone. You see that tonight. If we defend well, the team's going to give us all the chances that we need. That's what we focus on coming into every single game."
Scheifele struck again in the third, but Kaapo Kakko quickly answered for the Rangers, cutting the Jets’ lead to 4-3 just 32 seconds later.
The Jets pressed on, with Vladislav Namestnikov scoring his fifth goal of the season at 13:08 in the third, and Connor sealing the win with an empty-netter in the final 20 seconds.
Now holding an impressive 15-1 record, the Jets have become the quickest team in NHL history to reach 15 wins. Connor, leading the team with 22 points, is part of a high-scoring roster, with 11 Winnipeg players tallying 10 or more points.
The Jets continue their road trip with a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.