WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets returned to action following the 4 Nations break with a 4-3 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. The Jets win set a new franchise high with their ninth straight win. Winnipeg returns home to the Canada Life Centre where they’ll host the San Jose Sharks in a Monday night tilt. They will have the chance to sweep the season series against the Sharks for the first time since relocation.
One of the reasons for the Jets win on Saturday was Kyle Connor, who had 10 shots on goal and ended up with the shootout winner against the Blues. Connor did not play in the final of the 4 Nations between Canada and the United States and travelled from Boston to St. Louis to meet up with his teammates.
“Guys are feeling great. They’re still building their game up, you have a long break like that, doesn’t matter if you’re on a seven-game win streak or seven game losing streak, it’s kind of like a reset,” said Connor.
“That’s how we looked at it. Yeah, it’s nice to keep it going, but we’re looking to build this thing and get better every day.”
Tonight, the Jets will welcome back two more players who took part of the 4 Nations tournament, Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck. As expected, Morrissey loved the experience playing for his country at the first best-on-best tournament in over nine years.
“It was an unbelievable experience. Better, probably, than I could have even expected, in terms of fan engagement, the hockey, calibre of play, all-around experience and of course, being on a team that came out on top, it was awesome,” said Morrissey.
“I was happy with how I played. When you go to those tournaments, you just want to embrace whatever role is available to you. You’re on a team of All-Stars, so I was excited that the coaches believed in me, and it felt like they gave me a lot of opportunity to play and I felt I handled that well.”
Morrissey was unable to play in the championship game because he came down with an illness, Canada won in overtime thanks to Connor McDavid’s heroics.
“They played amazing in that final game. I was so proud of them and so proud to be part of that team. Even though I wasn’t out there, I felt a part of it. The guys and the coaching staff, management, the way they I guess consoled me after and the kind words and stuff like that just meant a lot,” said Morrissey.
“They made me really feel like even though I wasn’t out there for that final game, I was a big part of things and part of that journey. A lot of great memories that probably haven’t even sunk in yet. The biggest takeaway probably is that I want to do it again. It’s an adrenaline rush that I’ve never experienced in my career.”
