The Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves Wednesday night as the Jets fought off the Maple Leafs in Toronto, for a 4-3 win after the skills competition.
“It was nuts. There were so many opportunities at both ends I couldn’t believe the game didn’t end in overtime. But it was great to get the two points,” the Jets’ Mason Appleton said after the game.
Auston Matthews struck for two goals, including the game-tying goal, and Dmytro Timashov added a single marker in the loss.
Matthews tying goal came with just 14 seconds left on the clock in the third period.
“Today was a much different game than the [6-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers] on Monday,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said. “I thought our effort was there today, but I didn’t think we did a good enough job of generating offense or putting the puck in good spots. We spent a lot of time trying to retrieve pucks and they did [a good job] of breaking us down and we didn’t get much offense going. The difference in the game was we gave them three gifts.”
Matthews set a record for the first US-born player, and first Maple Leaf to score 30 or goals in four straight seasons.
“Of course this is something I’m proud of, I feel pretty fortunate to play with some really good players,” the 22-year-old said. “We’ve had great teams and great players and a lot of credit goes to them. It doesn’t matter who I’ve played with, I know I’m going to play with a pretty skilled guy. I think a big part of my success right now is getting in a rhythm. Last couple years I’ve been dealing with injuries, but so far I’ve been pretty healthy, and when you’re constantly playing, you stay in a rhythm and that helps quite a bit.”
Nikolaj Ehlers, Mason Appleton and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets in regulation.
“That’s the nature of the beast, we had to regroup [after giving up the lead],” Scheifele said. “Matthews has a pretty good shot so you have to give credit where credit is due. They made a good play, but it was good on us to regroup and get the win.”
Patrik Laine, Scheifele and Blake Wheeler were the strikers in the skills competition for the Jets as they outscored the Leafs by one.
[WATCH:Â All Jets vs. Maple Leafs highlights]
Frederik Andersen made 25 saves in the loss.
“Matthews is like that though, he’s dangerous with the puck, without the puck, no matter who he is playing with he seems to find spots to get open,” Maple Leafs’ Travis Dermott said. “It’s pretty easy to get him the puck and once he has it he can put it in from anywhere. When he’s even more on top of his game like he’s been lately, he’s just that much more dangerous.”
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