Nino Niederreiter’s two goals were instrumental in the Winnipeg Jets’ 4-2 victory against the Minnesota Wild at Canada Life Centre on Saturday. This win extended the Jets’ impressive point streak to seven games, with a record of 5-0-2 during this stretch.
Alex Iafallo and Axel Jonsson-Fjallby also contributed with goals for the Jets (21-9-4), who have shown remarkable form, going 9-1-2 in their last 12 outings. Goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck fortified Winnipeg’s defense with 34 saves, demonstrating why the Jets’ 5-on-5 play has been consistently strong this season.
Ryan Hartman and Matt Boldy scored for the Wild (16-14-4), whose four-game winning streak was snapped. Filip Gustavsson, who started in goal for Minnesota, made 19 saves but left due to a lower-body injury. Veteran Marc-Andre Fleury replaced him and made nine saves on 10 shots. Fleury is poised to become the fourth goalie in NHL history to play 1,000 games, joining the ranks of hockey legends.
Jets coach Rick Bowness praised his team’s timely goals and saves. Niederreiter emphasized the team’s commitment to a style of hockey that leverages their strengths. Despite the loss, Wild coach John Hynes acknowledged the need for consistency and expressed his team’s readiness for a rematch.
The game also saw Wild’s star Kirill Kaprizov exit in the third period after a cross-check, with no immediate update on his condition. The Jets’ defensive solidity was evident, as they have allowed three goals or fewer in 24 consecutive games.
As the Jets continue to build momentum, their ability to grind out results against tough opponents like the Wild is a testament to their resilience and strategic gameplay. The upcoming games promise to be an exciting continuation of their impressive run.
