LOS ANGELES — Gabriel Vilardi had a night to remember against his former team, recording an NHL career-high four points to propel the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
Vilardi, playing his first game in Los Angeles since being traded from the Kings to the Jets, scored a goal and provided three assists. His outstanding performance didn’t go unnoticed, as teammate Mark Scheifele lauded his playmaking and energy on the ice.
The Jets (17-9-2) responded strongly after their four-game winning streak was snapped by the San Jose Sharks. Coach Rick Bowness praised his team, especially the line of Vilardi, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Scheifele, for making a significant impact. Ehlers himself had a standout game with two goals and two assists, while Scheifele contributed two goals and an assist.
Connor Hellebuyck was solid in goal for Winnipeg, making 32 saves for his fourth consecutive win. The Jets showed resilience and team spirit, bouncing back from their recent loss to secure a convincing win.
The Kings (16-6-4), who have now lost three straight games, started strong with Anze Kopitar and Alex Laferriere scoring to give Los Angeles an early lead. However, Winnipeg’s comeback highlighted the Kings’ current struggles, with coach Todd McLellan acknowledging the need for the team to respond to this rough patch.
Ehlers initiated the Jets’ comeback in the second period with a wrist shot from the high slot. He later equalized with a breakaway goal, showcasing his speed and scoring prowess. Scheifele then gave Winnipeg the lead, demonstrating his skill with a backhand goal from behind the net.
Vilardi’s goal in the third period extended the Jets’ lead, showing his ability to make crucial plays in key moments. His performance was particularly poignant, considering his mixed emotions about returning to Los Angeles, where he started his NHL career.
Scheifele’s empty-net goal sealed the 5-2 final score, capping off a night where Winnipeg’s top line shined brightly. McLellan conceded that the Kings couldn’t find an answer to the Jets’ top trio, acknowledging their outstanding play.
Ehlers tied his career-high with four points, a testament to his offensive capabilities. The chemistry and effectiveness of Scheifele, Vilardi, and Ehlers were crucial to Winnipeg’s success, as they each finished the game with a plus-5 rating.
For the Kings, Arthur Kaliyev was absent due to flu-like symptoms, and Trevor Moore led the team with eight shots on goal. Despite the loss, McLellan remained optimistic, highlighting the importance of dirty goals and the hard work put in by players like Laferriere.
The Jets’ victory in Los Angeles is a significant morale booster, showcasing their depth and ability to bounce back. The Kings, facing a challenging period, will look to regroup and rediscover their early-season form.
