 celebrates a shut out win on Dec 21 2024 (Winnipeg Jets Facebook).jpg)
Cole Perfetti recorded three points and Connor Hellebuyck made 19 saves for his 41st career shutout in a dominant win over Central Division rivals in Winnipeg on Saturday night.
The Jets were unwelcoming hosts for the Minnesota Wild, putting up two goals in the first period. Nikolaj Ehlers opened up the scoring for the Jets at 6:51 on the power play, with Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey picking up the assists. Ehlers has now logged a goal and an assist over the two games since his return from an injury that sidelined him for nearly a month.
Morgan Barron got in on the action at 17:54 of the first to put the Jets up 2-0. Barron had set up Alex Iafallo on a 2-on-1 rush, with Iafallo's shot trickling through the pads of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, allowing Barron to slam the puck into the net. It was Wallstedt's fifth NHL start.
Thumpety thump, thump, thumpety thump, thump,
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) December 22, 2024
look at Morgan go! ☃️ pic.twitter.com/J1MLnLkHk4
The Jets power play went to work again early in the second period. Neil Pionk scored on the man advantage at 5:19. The Jets' power play finished the night going 2-6.
Cole Perfetti scored at 2:07 of the third after picking off a Wild pass in the slot, and Vladislav Namestnikov scored at 7:36 of the third to finish the scoring.
The Jets only gave up 19 shots allowing Connor Hellebuyck to pick up his fourth shutout of the season.
The penalty kill was solid again for the Jets, not allowing a goal on five opportunities for the Wild.
The Jets now head to Toronto for a Monday afternoon game before a five-day break for Christmas. Gametime is 1 p.m. CST.
Winnipeg remains atop the entire league with 49 points and a record of 24-10-1.