On a night where precision and solid defense took center stage, Connor Hellebuyck delivered a masterful performance, achieving his seventh shutout of the season—the most in the NHL—and leading the Winnipeg Jets to a resounding 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
The Jets, demonstrating their dominance, not only reached 50 wins—a milestone no other team has achieved this season—but also cemented their position at the top of the league, edging out the Washington Capitals by one point and extending their lead over the Dallas Stars to six points in the battle for first place in the Central Division and Western Conference. This win underscores the strength of a team that has already secured its spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his frustration with the start of the game, stating: “I didn’t hate our game. You know, I thought our guys were right there,” Keefe said according to NHL.com. “We only give up under 20 shots against a really good team. But the sequences of the first two goals, and even the fourth one, too – we’ve got to do a better job there and then [we’ve] got to create more offense. That’s the bottom line.”
“We gave them a couple of gifts early, and you’re playing against a team that gives up the least amount (of goals) in the NHL,” Keefe said of the Jets, who allow an average of 2.34 goals per game. “And you’re spotting them a 2-0 lead. It’s tough sledding from there.”
Jets’ efficiency and Devils’ challenges
The game began with a burst of energy from Winnipeg. Alex Iafallo opened the scoring 58 seconds into the first period, taking advantage of a pass from Kyle Connor to beat Jake Allen with a backhand. Less than a minute later, David Gustafsson increased the lead to 2-0, capitalizing on a rebound off a shot by Brandon Tanev. Winnipeg’s efficiency in the opening minutes put the Devils in a difficult position, especially against a team known for its solid defense.
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Iafallo extended the lead to 3-0 in the second period with his second goal of the game, scoring on a power play off a pass from Nikolaj Ehlers. Scheifele sealed the victory with a fourth goal, taking advantage of a rebound after a shot by Connor. The Devils’ inability to contain Winnipeg’s offense, combined with Hellebuyck’s solid performance, resulted in a tough night for the New Jersey team.
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What’s next for the Devils?
The loss leaves the Devils in a delicate situation, needing to regroup quickly to maintain their position in the Metropolitan Division. The win, however, cements the Jets as one of the strongest NHL teams in the league, with real aspirations of competing for the Stanley Cup.
