The Winnipeg Jets continued their impressive form, extending their franchise-record point streak to 11 games with a 3-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks. The victory at Honda Center on Friday marked their fifth consecutive win, solidifying their position atop the NHL standings.
Goalkeeper Laurent Brossoit was instrumental in the win, making 37 saves. Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Perfetti, and Nate Schmidt provided the goals, while Vladislav Namestnikov contributed two assists. The Jets’ record now stands at an impressive 25-9-4, leading the NHL with 54 points, surpassing the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche.
Ehlers praised the team’s goaltending, calling it the best in the league and a crucial factor in their success. The Jets have also excelled defensively, allowing fewer than four goals for the 28th straight game, surpassing a record set by the 2011-12 St. Louis Blues.
For the Ducks, Mason McTavish scored the lone goal, with John Gibson making 24 saves. Despite their loss, coach Greg Cronin commended the team’s performance, considering it one of their better games in recent weeks.
The game saw McTavish give the Ducks an early lead, which was later equalized by Ehlers in the second period. Schmidt’s goal in the third period put the Jets ahead, followed by Perfetti’s power-play goal to extend the lead.
The Jets excelled in special teams, scoring on their only power play and effectively killing both of Anaheim’s penalties. Ehlers acknowledged the importance of improving in both power play and penalty kill departments, especially looking ahead to the playoffs.
The Jets have now surpassed the Avalanche for first place in the Central Division, with Ehlers leading the team in road goals this season. For the Ducks, McTavish’s scoring pace places him among the fastest in team history to reach 30 career goals.
The Ducks suffered an injury blow with forward Max Jones leaving the game in the first period and not returning.
Looking ahead, the Jets aim to continue their dominant run, while the Ducks will look to bounce back from their recent loss. The Jets’ combination of stellar goaltending, solid defense, and timely scoring has them positioned as a formidable force in the NHL.
