CHICAGO — In a dramatic game, the Winnipeg Jets secured the Central Division title and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday night. Kyle Connor and Cole Perfetti scored the decisive shootout goals for Winnipeg.
The Jets have been strong on the road this season, setting a franchise record with 26 road wins and improving their road record to 26-15-0 with this victory. This win marks their fourth in the last five games.
Josh Morrissey played a key role, scoring two goals in the third period to help Winnipeg overcome an initial 2-0 deficit. Other goals in regulation time for the Jets came from Connor and Nino Niederreiter.
However, there was concern for Winnipeg as forward Nikolaj Ehlers had to leave the game in the second period after an accidental collision with a referee. Ehlers, a significant contributor with 24 goals and 39 assists in 69 games, was helped off the ice with 5:34 remaining in the period.
For Chicago, Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard both contributed a goal and an assist in their final home game of the season. Ryan Donato also scored, and Nick Foligno added a short-handed goal for the Blackhawks.
The game was also notable as the last NHL appearance for Blackhawks players Pat Maroon and Alec Martinez. Both players were honored by the team with highlight videos during the game, and the Jets showed their respect by participating in a post-game handshake line with Maroon and Martinez.
Morrissey`s first of his two goals in the third period gave Winnipeg a 3-2 lead early in the period. However, Donato quickly responded for Chicago, scoring his 31st goal of the season with just over nine minutes left in the game.
Key Points:
Jets: The injury to Ehlers is a major worry as the playoffs approach.
