Ehlers’ Masterclass in Scoring Propels Winnipeg Jets to Historic Road Victory Against Columbus Blue Jackets
Triumphant Hat Trick by Nikolaj Ehlers
Nikolaj Ehlers, the star forward of the Winnipeg Jets, unleashed his scoring prowess against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday evening, netting three goals for his fifth career hat trick. He was supported on the scoreboard by Mason Appleton and Gabriel Vilardi, while Josh Morrissey contributed with a power-play goal and an assist. Ehlers also helped the Jets’ cause with an additional assist, showcasing his all-round game.
Unbeaten Road Warriors
The Jets’ victory marked their tenth in just 11 games, maintaining their flawless record away from home. The team’s netminder, Eric Comrie, put on a commendable performance with 20 saves, guiding the Jets to their best road start in the franchise’s history with a 6-0-0 record.
Blue Jackets’ Struggles Continue
Despite goals from Sean Kuraly and Sean Monahan on a power-play, the Blue Jackets fell short. Their goalie, Elvis Merzlikins, made a valiant effort with 37 saves, but the Jets’ relentless onslaught proved too much. The Blue Jackets were largely on the back foot, facing an uphill battle defending their zone against the faster, more agile Jets.
Turning Point in the Battle
The Blue Jackets found a glimmer of hope when Monahan managed to score seven seconds into a power-play with 3:30 remaining in the second period, narrowing the Jets’ lead to 3-2. However, Ehlers swiftly quashed their comeback hopes by scoring his third goal of the evening just 2:20 later, ensuring the Jets’ control over the game remained unchallenged.
Power-Play Streak Continues for the Jets
The Jets kept their impressive power-play streak alive, managing to score at least once with a man advantage in their last four games. Their power-play record this season stands unmatched in the league, with 14 successful attempts in 31 opportunities.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Looking ahead, the Jets are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, while the Blue Jackets prepare for a challenging visit to the Washington Capitals on Saturday.