WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Jets are the hottest, most entertaining team in the National Hockey League… by a landslide. On Sunday evening, the visiting Ottawa Senators learned the hard way not to take penalties against one of the most potent offences in the league.

The Jets absolutely hammered the Senators in the first period, outshooting their Canadian opponent 19-3 in the opening frame. Just two minutes into the game, Ottawa took a too-many-men penalty, resulting in a Mark Scheifele power play goal just 14 seconds into the man advantage. Three minutes later, Jacob Trouba and Mathieu Perreault teamed up to add to the lead, with Perreault deflecting a point shot past a very busy Senator goaltender, Mike Condon.

The Jets could have easily extended their lead if it were not for an incredible desperation glove save by Condon, who dove across the crease to deny Bryan Little of a potential third Winnipeg goal.

The onslaught continued in the second period, as Winnipeg pounded three goals into the Senators’ net on their first three shots of the frame – including two power play goals. Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine and Tyler Myers provided the Jets with the three second period goals, increasing the home team’s lead to 5-0 after two periods of play.

If it were not for the replacement of Mike Condon by veteran netminder, Craig Anderson, the lopsided score could have been much worse, as Anderson made countless jaw dropping saves in his 14 minutes of relief work in the second period.

Anderson held his own for the remainder of the game, stopping the Jets’ final 28 shots, preserving his period-and-a-half shutout – however the Senators ultimately fell to Winnipeg 5-0.

With the blowout win, the Winnipeg Jets improved their record to 17-6-4, while maintaining their share of first place, league-wide. The Jets will have a day off on Monday before heading out on a three-game road trip, consisting of stops in Detroit, Florida and Tampa Bay on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Tuesday’s action begins at 6:30 P.M. central time from Detroit’s brand new Little Caesars Arena, and can be seen live on TSN3.

The Manitoba Post

Photo courtesy of James Carey Lauder