WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Winnipeg Jets soared to a triumphant 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Friday night, with Kyle Connor shining brightly as he delivered two goals and contributed an assist. In addition to Connor’s heroics, Dylan Samberg and Morgan Barron found the back of the net for Winnipeg, while Mark Scheifele orchestrated play with three assists. Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets’ goaltender, fortified the team’s defense with 24 crucial saves.
The Stars managed a single score courtesy of Mason Marchment, who slipped one past with 3:49 remaining in the clash. In goal for Dallas, Jake Oettinger faced a barrage of shots, saving 18.
With this victory, Winnipeg stretched its grip on the Western Conference and Central Division, establishing a ten-point lead over the Stars. Notably, Dallas has two games in hand. The Jets also clinched a two-point advantage over the Washington Capitals, currently on a hiatus, for the leading position in the league.
Samberg initiated the scoring at 8:01 into the game, his shot threading through a thicket of players to elude Oettinger. Connor doubled the advantage to 2-0 later in the first period, dispatching a decisive one-timer over Oettinger’s stick with under three minutes remaining.
Continuing his scoring prowess, Connor netted his 35th goal of the season at 6:43 during the second period, extending the lead to 3-0. Barron added a fourth for the Jets in the third period by deftly redirecting a shot from Dylan DeMelo at 7:26, making the score 4-0.
The game was not as combative as many anticipated; instead, the Jets relied on sleek passing maneuvers to craft key opportunities.
On the other side, the Stars seemed to shake off the cobwebs only in the final period after not playing since the previous Sunday.
A pivotal moment arrived late in the second period when Connor facilitated a pass to Morrissey, who adeptly returned it, allowing Connor to deliver a precise one-timer, bringing the score to 3-0.
A standout statistic for Winnipeg is their undefeated record in regulation when holding a lead after a period this season. They have an impressive 26-0-3 record when leading after the first period and a near-perfect 36-0-1 when ahead after the second.
Looking ahead, the Stars are set to face the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, while the Jets will make a trip to Seattle.
