NEWARK NJ – The Winnipeg Jets were putting on the air miles as they made their way back to the Prudential Center to face the New Jersey Devils in a make up game that was originally scheduled for March 14 but was postponed due to weather conditions.
The Jets, who found out last night that they were officially knocked out from playoff contention, were now playing out the season and making sure they proved to team
management they are capable to come back next season.
Connor Hellebuyck started for the Jets after taking a seat the last three games.
Winnipeg got off to a quick start as Nik Ehlers broke in under a minute into the game and beat Devils starter Corey Schneider with a nifty move for his 23rd of the season.
“Pretty similar to what has been going on the last 20 games … close but not enough to win,” Schneider said. “It’s a game where we had control at 3-1 in the second and we let a high skill team back into it. They are going to get chances, so whether it’s more defensive stops or saves or goals, it all factors and we have not been getting it the last quarter of the year, resulting in losses.”
The Devils took advantage of some sloppy play halfway through the first and Beau Bennett scored his sixth and then Taylor Hall got his 19th to give the home side a 2-1 lead after twenty.
The Jets had numerous chances in the second as they controlled most of the play and began to use their physical speed game to where down the Devils .
Stefan Noesen potted his seventh late in the second to put the Devils up 3-1 .
Blake Wheeler gave the Jets life as he tipped a Julian Melchiori point shot home for his 23rd to make 3-2 after forty.
Winnipeg never quit and they continued to press and Joel Armia scored his ninth a shorthanded marker to square things at 3-3.
“I just tried to get it deep but then guys started to fly past me,” Armia said. “I don’t think they were going for the body there, they were going for the puck. I saw [Adam] Lowry go to the net and was thinking pass for a moment but then saw some Devils players on him, so I saw a little opening on the short side.”
WATCH: All Jets vs. Devils highlights
After overtime solved nothing it was time for a shoot out .
Patrik Laine scored a beauty as his silky hands were on full display and he beat Schneider for the winner.
“I was kind of thinking about [the shot] on the way to the goal but then I decided when I saw him coming out so much, I thought I’d just make my move and it went in,” Laine said. “I want to help us get four more wins to end the season and maybe a couple goals for myself, but if I don’t score I’m not disappointed.”
Winnipeg heads home after a 4-3 win in the swamp.

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