The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 on Monday night at Bell MTS Place, thanks to a stellar performance from Nikolaj Ehlers and Laurent Brossoit. Ehlers scored a goal and added an assist, while Brossoit made 27 saves to earn his third win of the season.
The game was tied at 1-1 after two periods, with both teams exchanging power-play goals in the first. Andrei Svechnikov opened the scoring for the Hurricanes at 7:53, beating Brossoit with a wrist shot from the left circle. Ehlers responded for the Jets at 14:04, firing a one-timer from the right circle after a cross-ice pass from Kyle Connor.
The third period was a tight affair, with both teams playing cautiously and looking for a chance to break the deadlock. The Jets got the opportunity they were looking for at 9:45, when Ehlers scored his second goal of the game and 13th of the season. He took a pass from Mark Scheifele in the neutral zone, skated into the Hurricanes’ zone, and snapped a shot past Frederik Andersen’s glove.
Ehlers has been one of the most consistent and productive players for the Jets this season, leading the team in goals and points with 13 and 25, respectively. He has also been a clutch performer, scoring six game-winning goals, which is tied for the most in the NHL.
Brossoit shines in a rare start
Brossoit got the nod for the Jets on Monday, as head coach Paul Maurice decided to give Connor Hellebuyck a rest after he played in 10 of the previous 11 games. Brossoit did not disappoint, as he made several key saves to keep the Jets in the game and preserve the lead.
Brossoit was especially sharp in the second period, when he stopped all 13 shots he faced, including a breakaway attempt by Sebastian Aho and a point-blank chance by Jordan Staal. He also denied Svechnikov’s bid for a second goal in the third period, sliding across the crease to make a pad save.
Brossoit improved his record to 3-1-0 this season, with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .934 save percentage. He has been a reliable backup for Hellebuyck, giving the Jets a chance to win every time he starts.
Jets snap a three-game losing streak
The Jets entered the game on a three-game losing streak, having lost to the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Minnesota Wild in their previous outings. They were also facing a tough opponent in the Hurricanes, who had the best record in the NHL with 19 wins and four losses.
However, the Jets showed resilience and determination, as they bounced back with a hard-fought win over the Hurricanes. They played a solid defensive game, limiting the Hurricanes to 28 shots and one goal. They also capitalized on their chances, scoring two goals on 24 shots.
The Jets improved their record to 13-9-4, moving into the third spot in the Central Division with 30 points. They also snapped a four-game losing streak against the Hurricanes, dating back to 2018.
