The Winnipeg Jets’ three-game winning streak is over, and so is their unbeaten run in regulation. Anaheim skated out of Winnipeg with a 5-1 win, handing the Jets their first regulation loss of the season.
Winnipeg actually opened with plenty of jump. The Jets built a 7-1 edge in shots early and got a big hit from Tyrel Bauer, but the first goal still went to Anaheim. Judd Caulfield of Grand Forks, ND scored his first NHL goal in his fourth game, with former Jets/Moose forward Jeff Malott picking up the assist on the play.
Malott stayed involved in the second period, collecting his second primary assist of the night as the Ducks pushed their lead to 2-0.
The Jets finally answered through a familiar connection. Assistant coach Davis Payne said Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele have a sixth sense, and it showed on Winnipeg’s first goal.
Connor buried his sixth of the season in his 700th NHL game. The goal also moved him into sole possession of third place on the All-Time goals scored list.
He’s on pace for 100 goals this season.
That was as close as Winnipeg would get. The Ducks added two fourth-line goals against, then took over in the third period with three more to finish the job and send the Jets to a 5-1 loss.
Winnipeg’s power play never found a breakthrough, going 0-for-4.
The Jets are scheduled to practice tomorrow as they continue their homestand. Start your day with the Morning Papers, which will go live at 7 AM CST tomorrow on illegalcurve.com, and then tune in for a very special and final edition of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show at 9 AM, ahead of the move to a daily show starting Tuesday, October 13th.
In Other News...
Rangers Desperation Just Put Connor Hellebuyck Back In The Spotlight
The Rangers goaltending situation has pushed them into the kind of desperation that naturally pulls another teams star into the conversation, and this time its Connor Hellebuyck back in the spotlight. With Igor Shesterkin out for the season and Joonas Korpisalo unavailable for several weeks, New Yorks need in net has become impossible to ignore, which is why the idea of a blockbuster swing at Winnipegs Vezina-caliber starter is making the rounds as a theoretical fix.
It is still only a proposal, not a real negotiation, but the concept shows how far the Rangers might have to go if they wanted to chase a true answer between the pipes. Any such move would come with major obstacles on Winnipegs side, starting with the fact that Hellebuyck controls his fate, and ending with the sort of draft-and-player package it would take to even get the Jets to listen. [Read more 🡒]
Maple Leafs Get Encouraging OEL Update But One Wait Remains
Oliver Ekman-Larsson was back on the ice for practice after the head injury he took in a game, a small but meaningful step for the Maple Leafs as they try to sort through their blue-line health. It does not guarantee he is ready for the next game, but it at least gives Toronto something more encouraging than a blank injury update, especially at a point in the schedule when every available defenseman matters.
For Winnipeg, the broader lesson is familiar: availability can shape the entire conversation around a team, whether it is a veteran defenseman easing back into practice or Connor Hellebuyck still sitting out and leaving fans watching the situation closely. The Jets keep waiting for clarity on his status, and one supporter has even turned that wait into a running online tally, a sign of just how much the uncertainty around their star goaltender has taken hold. [Read more 🡒]
Moose Let A Strong Chance Slip Away In Tight Road Loss
The Manitoba Moose came up just short again on the road, falling 2-1 to the Grand Rapids Griffins in a game that stayed tight from start to finish. Noah Gregor provided the Mooses lone goal, but it was not enough to turn a solid effort into points as the club dropped its second game of the season.
Grand Rapids got the edge they needed when William Lagesson broke the tie, and Michal Postava did the rest with a calm night in net for the Griffins. The Moose generated chances and pushed the pace at times, but they will leave this one knowing they had an opportunity to come away with more against a division opponent. [Read more 🡒]