Cole Perfetti expressed eagerness for another opportunity in the NHL playoffs.
The Winnipeg Jets` young forward participated in only one of the team`s five first-round playoff games last year. Now, after a career-best season, Perfetti is excited to face the St. Louis Blues in the opening round of this year`s NHL postseason.
The best-of-seven series is set to commence on Saturday in Winnipeg.
“I`m really looking forward to the start of Game 1,” Perfetti commented after the Jets` recent 2-1 overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night, played before their 16th sold-out crowd of the season at Canada Life Centre. “There`s a lot of anticipation.”
“In the latter half of the season, it began to feel more tangible, that we were playoff bound and would be a high seed. We`ve been progressing throughout the year. I only experienced a small taste of the playoffs last year, so I`m very excited for this year.”
The Jets aimed to utilize Wednesday`s game as preparation for the upcoming playoffs.
“We generated a lot offensively, I felt,” Perfetti stated. “We wanted to use this game as a final preparation for Game 1, and I believe we performed quite well.”
“Their goalie, Ville Husso, played exceptionally. We created numerous excellent scoring opportunities and limited their chances, which I consider a strong performance for us.”
Perfetti contributed an assist on Neal Pionk`s second-period goal, marking his 50th point of the season for the first time in his career.
Winnipeg recently defeated the Blues 3-1, ending their 12-game winning streak.
“Obviously, they have been playing very well recently, especially since the break,” Perfetti noted. “They are a formidable team.”
“We played them four or five games ago, so we know we are capable of defeating them. We are familiar with their team and their style of play. They are performing well, and it should be an exciting series.”
Pionk echoed this sentiment.
“Yes, I can`t wait. This is the best time of the year,” he said. “Tonight was about maintaining good habits and ensuring we are doing things correctly.”
“Now we are playing for real. It will be a fast-paced, physical series. They have been on an incredible run since the break, being one of the hottest teams in the league. We need to be ready to compete.”
Husso made an impressive 42 saves, many of them spectacular, and was impressed with the Jets as they enter the playoffs.
“They play a consistent, solid game for almost the entire 60 minutes,” he observed. “Their talent, skill, and defensive lineup are very strong.”
“It was also enjoyable to watch Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. He makes the game appear effortless. They definitely have a good chance this year.”
Hellebuyck is set to win the William M. Jennings Trophy for the second consecutive year. This trophy is awarded annually to the goaltender(s) who play at least 25 games for the team that allows the fewest goals during the regular season.
Winnipeg conceded only 191 goals this season.
“Winning it two years in a row is quite impressive, I believe,” Perfetti remarked. “Some nights, it was outstanding team defense, and other nights it was Hellebuyck or Eric Comrie standing out in goal.”
“And that`s what`s necessary if you want to achieve success in this league and win that trophy.”
Jets coach Scott Arniel expressed his satisfaction with both the Jennings Trophy and Winnipeg achieving a club-record 116 points this season.
“Again, it’s an amazing achievement for these players to put together a season like this,” he said. “I can`t give enough credit to the players for their accomplishments.”
“They remained focused throughout all 82 games. To secure this at the end, in front of our fans, was special.”
Arniel mentioned that the players had discussed the Jennings Trophy from the beginning of the season.
“We engaged in a lot of team-building activities at the start of the year,” he explained. “It was remarkable that every group came back and stated that a core part of our identity would be how we defend, similar to last year.”
“To be competitive in hockey games, we knew we had enough offensive skill, but everyone understands that when it comes to the playoffs, the teams that defend most effectively are usually the ones who ultimately hold the trophy.”
“It`s about everyone believing in a particular style of play that gives you a chance to win games. And you support that with exceptional goaltending. Goaltenders. That makes it much harder for opponents to play against us.”
Mark Scheifele scored the decisive goal in overtime.
