The Toronto Maple Leafs handed the Winnipeg Jets their first lack of the season in an exciting 6-4 showdown that included standout performances from John Tavares, Max Pacioretty and Kyle Connor. With Tavares netting a hat trick and Pacioretty including three assists, the Leafs managed to snap their very own three-game winless streak whereas ending the Jets’ franchise-record, eight-game successful run. Listed below are three key takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ assertion win.
Winnipeg’s high-flying offense saved it shut, however Toronto’s defensive changes and well timed scoring made the distinction.
Tavares and Pacioretty Shine
John Tavares had a standout sport, scoring a hat trick that proved essential in ending the Jets’ unbeaten season streak. He’s the twenty second participant in Maple Leafs historical past with 4 hat tips. Tavares’ efficiency included three targets on seven pictures, he created 4 high-danger scoring probabilities and dominated the faceoff circle with a 16/21 file. Tavares appeared pretty much as good as he’s appeared all season.
Max Pacioretty, who was just lately moved to the second line, additionally performed a key position, contributing three assists in his first three-plus level evening since December 2021. This was a giant sport for Pacioretty who hasn’t at all times been within the lineup.
The Maple Leafs’ Protection Helped Out Stolarz
The Maple Leafs couldn’t shut down Kyle Connor, (who obtained 4 factors) however they had been in a position to management the Jets’ offense, holding Winnipeg to only 23 pictures whereas blocking 18 extra. By tightening up their defensive play, Toronto minimized Winnipeg’s scoring probabilities.
Limiting pictures on objective was important to their success, particularly as Winnipeg had gone into the sport with a record-setting eight wins. Anthony Stolarz made some key saves when he needed to, however he didn’t have an important evening, permitting 4 targets on 23 pictures. That was good for a .826 save share.
Jets’ Energy Play Exhibits Power Regardless of Loss
The Jets’ particular groups had been a vivid spot within the sport, as they killed off two penalties and scored twice with the person benefit.
As he typically does, Kyle Connor led the cost, extending his level streak to 9 video games. It was thought that Connor had a hat trick, however Winnipeg’s objective at 16:13 of the third interval was modified and credit score was given to Gabriel Vilardi from Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers.
Whereas the Jets’ defensive breakdowns finally price them the sport, their power-play success is a optimistic they’ll look to construct on.
Subsequent: 3 Causes Max Pacioretty Made a Distinction for the Maple Leafs
