 Nikolaj Ehlers (27) in Pittsburgh Nov 22 2024 (Winnipeg Jets Facebook).jpg)
The Winnipeg Jets soared past the Pittsburgh Penguins with a decisive 4-1 victory on Friday night, kicking off a challenging six-game road trip.
With their 17th win in 20 games, the Jets joined elite company, tying records set by the 2022-23 Bruins, 2012-13 Blackhawks, and the Ottawa Senators of 2005-06 and 1925-26 for the second-most wins in the first 20 games of an NHL season. Only the 1929-30 Bruins had more, with 18.
Nino Niederreiter wasted no time, scoring just 1:22 into the game—his eighth of the season. Vladislav Namestnikov, celebrating his 32nd birthday, Gabe Vilardi, and Kyle Connor also found the back of the net.
Connor, who also assisted earlier in the game, sealed the win with an empty-netter, becoming only the third player in Jets' history to record at least 25 points through the first 20 games of a season. He joined franchise legends Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler in achieving the feat.
Connor's night was made even more memorable by completing a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, capped by his first NHL fight—against none other than Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.
Known more for finesse than fists, Connor, a 2022 Lady Byng Trophy winner, acknowledged the rarity of the moment.
“When I got the empty netter, they let me know, and obviously I was aware of it, and it was [a] cool moment to share,” Connor told reporters after the game. “And happy we were able to get the win.”
Connor Hellebuyck continued his strong season in net, making 17 saves for his 14th win in 16 starts.
The Jets will look to carry their momentum into Nashville, where they face the Predators on Saturday night.