Four Jets record multiple points in big win over Devils

WINNIPEG -An important weekend for the Winnipeg Jets ended with what tennis fans would call a straight sets victory: 6-2, 6-1.
After the 6-2 win over Detroit on Friday, the Jets (43-31-3) filled the net again on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils, picking up a huge two points in the standings along the way.
Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice, with singles coming from Nino Niederreiter, Kyle Connor, Morgan Barron, and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Needless to say, it looks like the offensive swagger has returned.
"They're making plays, they're starting to feel good to see that puck finally going in the net for them," said Jets head coach Rick Bowness. "We love the fact they're making those great plays, the D are involved, and that's how we want to play."

Blake Wheeler was one of the four Jets to record two points on the night. He acknowledged that the Devils were the second straight opponent the Jets faced playing on back-to-back nights, but he also feels Winnipeg's surge has had something to do with their own schedule as well.
"Sometimes it's just a matter of the wear and tear taking a toll on you," Wheeler said, reflecting on the 24 games in 48 days from February 11 until the end of March. "I kind of had that thought in mind during that stretch, I thought this could be something that tips the scales in our favour a little bit. Obviously, we've had a couple of teams come in here playing back-to-backs as well, so I think the overriding point is schedule, circumstances have bounced in our favour a little bit."
Strong work below the goal line by Wheeler set up the first goal of the game. Wheeler's check on Jonas Siegenthaler in the right corner popped the puck loose, and Wheeler quickly found Nikolaj Ehlers in front and with a snap of the wrist, it was 1-0. Ehlers' 11th came 4:59 into the opening period and gave the Jets the first goal for the second straight game on the home stand.

The lead increased to 2-0 after a great backcheck by Adam Lowry broke up a Devils rush and sent the Jets back the other way. Wheeler deflected a Vladislav Namestnikov shot right int front of Vitek Vanecek, and Nino Niederreiter was there to bang home the rebound - and his 24th of the season - with 3:45 left in the opening period.
"Vlad's such a smart player, he's always in the right spot. He's a really easy guy to read off of," said Wheeler. "Nikky creates so much space.
"I think it's just three guys that really gel. We kind of have all the components you need to make a good line."

Winnipeg built the lead in dramatic fashion just under three minutes into the second, as Barron was awarded a penalty shot after being taken down on a partial break. Barron beat Vanecek with a forehand shot through the five-hole, giving Barron eight goals on the season.
"He only brings it out against opposing goalies," Connor Hellebuyck laughed. "No, that was a beautiful move and he earned it."
A strong forecheck led to the 4-0 goal from Connor. The Jets forward's backhand from the half wall went into the right corner, with Pierre-Luc Dubois giving chase. His pressure, followed shortly after by Mark Scheifele, caused the puck to pop out into the slot. Dubois teed it up for Connor, who ripped home his 30th of the season - the fifth time in the last six seasons he's hit that mark.

Equally as important as Winnipeg adding to their lead in the second was the play of Hellebuyck, who made 14 of his 31 saves in the middle frame.
"We needed some saves, and he was outstanding," said Bowness. "In the second period you knew they were going to make a big push, and they did. He made some really big saves in that second period."
Mackenzie Blackwood started the third in goal for the Devils, but the Jets kept up the pressure and were rewarded with 9:42 remaining in the period. After a good shift in the offensive zone, Josh Morrissey - back in the line-up after missing Friday's game due to illness - zipped a perfect seam pass from the left point to Dubois in the right circle, and he pounded it into the net for his 26th of the season. The assist also gave Morrissey 70 points on the season.

To finish off the second straight six-goal night of the weekend, Ehlers buried his second of the night - a power play marker - off a perfect seam pass from Scheifele with 5:50 remaining in the game.
The only downside of the evening was that Hellebuyck's shutout bid was broken with 13 second left on the clock. The Jets were that close to being the first team to shutout the Devils this season.
Hellebuyck was happy to have the victory though, and was appreciative of the fans inside Canada Life Centre, who were cheering not just goals, but shot blocks and diving clearing attempts as well.

"I think those are the most important moments," Hellebuyck said. "Those are the ones you aren't necessarily expecting, but when you get them they just carry the play and the team plays so heavily. I think that's why our building is always rated one of the loudest, is because of those little things."
The home stand continues with a crucial match-up against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. The Flames came from behind to beat Anaheim on Sunday night, and remain two points back of the Jets for the final wildcard spot.
Bowness has no doubt his team will be ready for that night.
"They know what we're up against. We have to keep winning. So you enjoy tonight," Bowness said. "We know the importance of Wednesday's game, so we want to feel good about it. There is still a lot of hard work ahead of us."