Winnipeg Jets' Dylan DeMelo (2) blocks a shot in front of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37), while Neal Pionk (4) defends against Anaheim Ducks' Troy Terry (19) during the second period of an NHL game in Winnipeg on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Mark Scheifele scored just 1:11 into overtime, securing a 2-1 win for the Winnipeg Jets against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night. With the victory, the Jets set a new franchise record with 116 points for the season, finishing with an impressive 56-22-4 record.
Winnipeg's goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, had a stellar performance, making 30 saves in front of a packed crowd of 15,225 fans at the Canada Life Centre. Hellebuyck’s 47 wins this season set a franchise record and earned him the prestigious Jennings Trophy, awarded to the team that allows the fewest goals during the regular season.
The game began with the Jets dominating in shots, but they struggled to break through Anaheim's goalie, Ville Husso, who stopped 42 shots on the night. Despite the pressure, the Ducks remained resilient, holding off Winnipeg until late in the second period.
Neal Pionk put the Jets ahead with 6:11 remaining in the second period, firing a screened shot from the blue line that found its way past Husso. Pionk's goal was his 10th of the season, matching his personal best. Cole Perfetti, who assisted on the goal, marked a milestone by reaching 50 points for the first time in his career. Vlad Namestnikov also assisted on the play.
Anaheim tied the game 1-1 in the third period after a scramble in front of the net. Ian Moore’s shot from the point was tipped by Frank Vatrano, and Troy Terry capitalized on the rebound, slipping the puck into an open net.
In overtime, the game’s key moment came when Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey made a critical play to break up a Ducks 2-on-1 rush. Morrissey quickly turned defence into offence, racing down the ice alongside Scheifele and Kyle Connor. After Connor’s shot missed, Morrissey retrieved the puck and passed it to Scheifele, who netted the game-winning goal.
Despite the Ducks’ best efforts, which included killing off a Jets two-man advantage midway through the first period, Hellebuyck’s outstanding play and Winnipeg’s offensive pressure were enough to secure the win.
The victory wrapped up the Jets' regular season, and while they finished with a 1-2 record against the Ducks, they celebrated a historic season.
