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DENVER — Neal Pionk netted the game-winning goal just 17 seconds into overtime, propelling the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday evening.
Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets’ goaltender, initiated the decisive play by passing the puck to Vladislav Namestnikov, who then set up Pionk racing down the right flank. Pionk’s powerful slap shot found the back of the net past Mackenzie Blackwood, providing Winnipeg with a much-needed end to their two-game losing streak.
Alongside Pionk’s crucial goal, Morgan Barron and Gabriel Vilardi also contributed to the Jets’ scoring, while Hellebuyck made 25 saves throughout the match.
For Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar each scored a goal, with Blackwood registering 22 saves in the goal.
The Avalanche initially led 1-0 in the second period after MacKinnon’s 19th goal of the season. However, Barron and Vilardi’s goals before the second intermission allowed the Jets to seize a 2-1 advantage.
In the third period, Makar equalized at 7:05, maneuvering behind the Winnipeg defense and lifting a shot over Hellebuyck’s left shoulder just as he was falling.
During the game, linesman Jonny Murray exited the contest in the second period following a collision with Colorado defenseman Devon Toews. Although he returned at the start of the third, he left again without returning to the ice.
Takeaways from the game highlight the Jets’ recovery from what coach Scott Arniel described as an “embarrassing” loss in Utah. The Jets effectively contained the Avalanche’s offensive opportunities and successfully neutralized both power plays, including one crucial penalty kill in the waning minutes of the third frame.
As for the Avalanche, they concluded a five-game homestand with a record of 2-2-1, suffering losses in two division matchups. The team has struggled against Winnipeg, losing three of their last four encounters, and now holds a 7-8-1 mark against opponents in the Central Division.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred late in the third period when Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele found himself behind the Colorado defense, setting up a close chance that Blackwood expertly denied. Scheifele attempted to tap in the rebound, but Blackwood managed to stop it with a remarkable left pad save while sprawled on the ice.
A noteworthy stat from the game is that Hellebuyck’s impressive shutout streak of 140 minutes against the Avalanche was finally broken by MacKinnon’s goal. Remarkably, two of Hellebuyck’s six shutouts this season have been against Colorado.
Looking ahead, the Jets will welcome Utah on Friday to kick off a two-game homestand, while the Avalanche will visit Boston on Saturday to begin a three-game road trip.
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