You could just look at the final score and leave it at that, but Friday night’s The Winnipeg Jets’ 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings has produced a number of stories worth mentioning. The win was necessary and had contributions from the entire Jets lineup.
Quick hit one: Mark Scheifele scored two goals and added an assist
Friday night saw Mark Scheifele doing Scheifele things. Two goals, an assist, a touch of luck and perfect timing gave his team the kind of smart, opportunistic play that keeps him at the center of everything. His late one-timer looked effortless, but he can be dangerous when he clicks, and he was.
Quick hit two: Vladislav Namestnikov ends 30-game drought
Vladislav Namestnikov had a storybook night returning to the lineup. After making a healthy scratch on Thursday, he came back and scored the first goal of the game, ending a personal 30-game scoring drought. Beyond the numbers, Namestnikov’s energy was noticeable as he moved his feet, made plays and set the tone early, showing how much this team relies on the presence of veterans in the middle of the lineup.
Quick hit three: Jonathan Toews’ contributions keep the Jets balanced
Jonathan Toews scored on a rebound. It was his third Jets goal. Although he is no longer central as team leader these days, his permanent presence matters. He planted himself in front of the net, as he has done so many times before, and took advantage. His moments help keep a team on track, especially after a string of losses.
Quick Hit Four: Eric Comrie keeps the Kings on one goal
Eric Comrie deserves some credit for this win. While a 23-save game might not seem flashy in a 5-1 win, his success in the first period gave his team a chance to take the lead. Finally, the Jets built momentum, and Comrie prevented frustration from seeping into his team’s game.
What’s next for the Jets?
There were also a few nice milestones. Nino Niederreiter scored his 100th point as Jet and finally put an end to a long pointless period, with all four lines contributing. Friday wasn’t just a win to stop the skid; it was a reminder that when players step up, the team can really click.
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