NEW YORK — The Winnipeg Jets have made history by becoming the first team in the NHL to secure 15 victories in their first 16 games, showcasing a determined mindset that emphasizes taking it “one game at a time.”
In their latest matchup, the Jets triumphed over the New York Rangers with a score of 6-3 on Tuesday night, demonstrating impressive scoring ability paired with exceptional goaltending. With 73 goals already this season, Winnipeg has set a new franchise record for goals scored through 16 games.
Jets forward Kyle Connor expressed their approach, saying, “We know what we are doing but we don’t take too much stock in it. We just move on to the next one. It speaks to the leadership to not get too comfortable. There’s still a lot of season left.”
Connor and teammate Mark Scheifele each netted two goals in the game, further contributing to the team’s impressive run, which includes their seventh consecutive away win. As of now, the Jets are the only NHL team remaining unbeaten in road games this season.
The Jets are backed by a stellar performance from Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who boasts a record of 12-1-0 this season, including three shutouts. This offensive power is highlighted by the fact that 11 players have tallied at least 10 points, with Connor leading the charge at 22 points, comprising 11 goals, while Scheifele follows closely with 21 points, nine of which are goals.
Starting the season strong, the Jets achieved eight consecutive victories under the guidance of coach Scott Arniel. Although they faced a setback with a loss to Toronto at home on October 28, they quickly bounced back to secure seven consecutive wins thereafter.
“This record isn’t something we would have predicted,” Arniel reflected. “At the start of the season, we discussed the importance of banking points in a competitive division of a challenging Western Conference. The players have truly earned every bit of it.”
In their game against the Rangers, who were last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, the Jets benefited from contributions on the ice by former Ranger defenseman Neal Pionk, who provided three assists, while Nikolaj Ehlers offered two assists and Vladislav Namestnikov, another ex-Ranger, scored an insurance goal.
“Our back checks were effective, leading to opportunities for us on the other end,” remarked Scheifele, who opened the scoring just 57 seconds into the game and netted his second at 1:08 in the third period. “Playing alongside talented teammates, getting to the right positions, and supporting each other are key to achieving good results.”
Arniel, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Rangers under Alain Vigneault, cherished this significant win against a tough opponent, especially as the Jets embark on a three-game road trip facing elite teams from the Eastern Conference. Their schedule includes upcoming games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers.
“This league is all about dealing with pressure, and when you excel at it, you can create difficulties for the other team,” Arniel noted. “The most important aspect for our team has been our ability to reset effectively.”