NHL Scores (10-19)

Toronto Maple Leafs (4) @ Winnipeg Jets (5) (OT)

Detroit Red Wings (2) @ New York Rangers (1)

Game of the Night

         Last night featured a highly anticipated game between 1^st overall pick Auston Matthews and 2^nd overall pick Patrik Laine. The Maple Leafs were in Winnipeg facing off against the Jets in what turned out to be a very exciting finish to the game.

         Toronto entered the 2^nd half of the game up 4-0. A few minutes earlier, they had scored 2 goals in just 8 seconds. At the time, the Jets and their fans were virtually lifeless. Many expected the Maple Leafs to cruise to an easy victory, but the Jets had other plans. When Tyler Myers finally put Winnipeg on the scoreboard at 13:04 of the 2^nd period, it became clear the Jets weren’t done with the Leafs.

         Though down 4-1 entering the 3^rd, there was some life in the building and a newfound confidence the Jets hoped to build off of. Patrik Laine began to chip away at Toronto’s chances of winning when he spun around and scored a minute into the period. 5 minutes later, Mark Scheifele scored to pull to within 1 goal. By now, the result had become much more uncertain.

         With time running out, Winnipeg put all their cards on the table in the final minute. An untimely penalty by Toronto gave the Jets a 6-on-4 advantage in the offensive zone. Right off the faceoff, Nikolaj Ehlers faked a point shot and fed Laine for a one-timer from the left circle. Laine easily blasted the puck into the wide open net to tie the game.

         Midway through the overtime period, Auston Matthews had a chance to win the game on a breakaway. He tried to go five-hole on Huchinson, but the opening he had was quickly closed. After quickly cleaning up the rebound, Dustin Byfuglien spotted Laine skating speedily down the side boards. After being fed for a 2-on-1 chance, Laine did what the whole building was expecting: he shot the puck.

         His shoot first mentality served him well, as he made no mistake in picking a spot and burying the puck in the back of the net. Laine had completed an overtime hat trick in comeback fashion. Not only did Winnipeg win the game, but the fans were brought to their feet by the comeback kid’s heroics. It was the first time in Thrashers/Jets franchise history that the team came back from a 4-goal deficit to win.

Player of the Night (Patrik Laine)