Tavares helps Maple Leafs snap Jets unbeaten streak with 6-4 win
Toronto Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) celebrates after his goal against the Winnipeg Jets with Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) and Max Pacioretty (67) during second-period NHL hockey game action in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Credit: AP/FRED GREENSLADE
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — John Tavares scored three goals and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat Winnipeg 6-4 on Monday night, handing the Jets their first loss of the season.
William Nylander had a goal and two assists, and Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly also scored for Toronto, which had lost three straight (0-2-1). Max Pacioretty, moved up from the fourth line to the second line, had three assists and Anthony Stolarz had 19 saves.
Kyle Connor had three goals and an assist for Winnipeg to extend his point streak to nine games (nine goals, five assists). That set a franchise-record for longest point streak to start a season, which had previously been held by former captain Blake Wheeler since 2015-16.
Mark Scheifele had a goal and assist, and Josh Morrissey added three assists for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 30 shots.
Winnipeg, the NHL’s last remaining unbeaten team had opened the season with a franchise-record eight consecutive victories.
Takeaways
Jets: Winnipeg put itself it a 4-0 hole by 3:25 of the second period by displaying some uncharacteristic defensive breakdowns, but it could have been worse if not for their strong special-teams play. They killed off two penalties and Connor scored twice with the man advantage.
Maple Leafs: Toronto pumped in its most goals in a game this season, but all were at even strength. The Leafs’ power play limped into the game at 10 per cent (3 for 30) and came up empty on two chances.
Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares, second from left, celebrates after his goal against Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, third from right, with William Nylander (88) and Max Pacioretty (67) during second-period NHL hockey game action in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Credit: AP/FRED GREENSLADE
Key Moment
After scoring twice and outshooting the Jets 19-6 in the first period, Winnipeg’s coverage in the slot was loose and Knies fired in a rebound to make it 3-0 just 56 seconds into the second.
Key Stat
The Maple Leafs held the Jets to 23 shots on goal and blocked 18 shots.
Up Next
Maple Leafs host Seattle on Thursday, and Jets visit Detroit on Wednesday.
