Mark Scheifele (55) of the Winnipeg Jets celebrates after scoring against Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) during the second period of their NHL game in Montreal on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Teammates Kyle Connor (81) and Gabriel Vilardi (13) join in the celebration. The game was part of the regular season action.
The Kyle Connor Goal had perfect timing. As the clock ticked down in the second period, he spotted a golden opportunity. With just 1.5 seconds left, he fired home his second goal of the night, breaking the Montreal Canadiens’ momentum and giving the Winnipeg Jets a commanding Victory.
Connor’s goal came after relentless forechecking from David Gustafsson, who battled hard to win possession before setting up the Jets’ star forward in the slot. “There were only a few seconds left,” Connor said. “Gussie made an incredible play, and they lost coverage. I had time to get my shot off.”
That moment changed the game. Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis knew it, too. “That third goal hurt us,” he admitted. “We shouldn’t have given it up. We didn’t manage the clock well.”
Jets’ Stars Shine Bright
Connor’s goal—his 29th of the season—put Winnipeg up 3-1 heading into the final period. His coach, Scott Arniel, couldn’t help but admire his elite scoring ability. “I’ve seen a lot of great shooters,” Arniel said. “Connor’s release is among the best in the game.”
While Gustafsson extended his personal point streak to four games, it was Winnipeg’s top players who led the charge. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy frontrunner, made 24 saves and kept the Jets in control despite a strong start from Montreal.
Mark Scheifele added another goal, with Gabriel Vilardi assisting twice as the Jets secured their fourth straight win. “A lot of good plays, a lot of chemistry,” Scheifele said of playing alongside Connor and Vilardi.
Hostile Reception for Scheifele
The Bell Centre crowd ensured Scheifele felt unwelcome, booing him every time he touched the puck. Canadiens fans still remember his brutal hit on Jake Evans during the 2021 playoffs—a hit that earned him a four-game suspension.
“You don’t really hear it,” Scheifele shrugged. “This is a historic rink. Once in a while, you notice the boos and laugh a bit.”
Despite the crowd’s reaction, Scheifele delivered, matching Connor’s 29 goals this season, tying them for second in the NHL behind Leon Draisaitl.
Canadiens Lose Guhle to Injury
Montreal’s tough night got worse when defenceman Kaiden Guhle suffered a lower-body injury in the third period. He crashed hard into the boards, clutching his right knee before hobbling off in pain. The Canadiens will evaluate his condition before determining his recovery timeline.
Captain Nick Suzuki expressed concern for his teammate. “Seeing him go down like that isn’t easy. Hopefully, he’s okay.”
For Winnipeg, the Kyle Connor goal was a statement win. With their stars stepping up, the Jets look like a force to be reckoned with in the playoff race.
