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Afternoon games always seem to be odd affairs where teams aren’t quite at 100% and some of the dumbest things happen, like Nikolaj Ehlers accepting a fight.

Thankfully Ehlers was ok after it and so were the Winnipeg Jets as Mark Scheifele picked up a couple of goals including the game winner with less than five minutes left in the game as the Jets defeat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2.

First Period

It wasn’t exactly the cleanest period for anyone on the ice be it Jet, Duck or ref as the two teams struggled to string passes together and put together any kind of offense while refs had a hard time figuring out something as simple as penalty shots.

The two teams did trade goals midway through the period though as Scheifele finished off a three way passing play to give the Jets a 1-0 lead.

And then 30 seconds later the Ducks tied it up before the Jets goal announcement even finished.

Shots in the period ended 12-8 for the Ducks as the Jets had issues in their own end (imagine that)

The only other notable part of the first period was another fight from Nik Ehlers who suddenly is taking on NHL captains.

Second Period

More sloppy play from both teams, but at least this period the Jets were the better of the two sides as they had 12-5 edge in shots in the period. The Ducks though were getting the better scoring chances which kept Connor Hellebuyck busy.

With about two minutes left in the period, the Jets finally were able to string a clean zone exits and a couple of good passes together which led to a 2-1 goal thanks to Adam Lowry.

Third Period

Things were still pretty even between both teams with plenty of shots if not many high quality scoring chances. The Jets had been doing a decent job of limiting chances around their net, but eight minutes into the third period the Ducks tied things up off a chaotic scramble around Connor Hellebuyck.

It looked like the game was headed to extra time, but the Ducks true to form took a penalty late in the period and the Jets power play was finally able to take advantage to get the lead late.

Adam Lowry took a penalty late to make things interesting, but the Jets hung on to pick up a big 3-2 win in regulation.

Jetsnation Top Gun

Connor Hellebuyck certainly should get some love for a 31 save performance, but with two goals on the day, Mark Scheifele easily gets the nod. Adam Lowry as well had a really strong game and Nik Ehlers was all over the place as well – although we’d like it if we never see him in another fight this season.

The Boxscore

Next Flight

The Jets now get to look forward to a home and home set with the Detroit Red Wings this week. It starts with a home date against the Wings on Tuesday night at Bell MTS Place. Puck drop is 6:00 PM and the game is on TSN 3 and TSN 1290