Winnipeg Jets snap skid by beating Nashville Predators 3-0

WINNIPEG – Connor Hellebuyck made 42 saves to help the Winnipeg Jets pick up a 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators at MTS Centre on Sunday. With the victory, Winnipeg snaps a five-game losing streak in which it scored just six goals.

“We know that during a season, you’re gonna have your ups and downs,” said Jets forward Drew Stafford. “The good thing about this game is that you have a chance pretty much every other night to get an opportunity to get back at it. Tonight, I’m happy we took advantage of it.”

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Stafford netted the game-winning goal 15:21 into the second period. Stafford picked up a Jacob Trouba rebound near Nashville’s net before tucking in his first of the season on a wrap-around. Ben Chiarot also assisted on the goal.

Nashville outshot Winnipeg 20-7 in the third period as it pushed for the equalizer but wasn’t able to beat Hellebuyck. Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry each added an empty net goal in the final minute of the game.

Winnipeg managed only four shots on net in the opening period despite having two power plays.

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Hellebuyck’s shutout is his second of the season. He made 27 saves in Winnipeg’s 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 15.

“I don’t think again things were smooth or easy at times with the puck, but usually a real hard effort and real good goaltending, you’re going to give yourself a chance,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice.

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Predators goalie Juuse Saros stopped 21 shots in his third career start.

Trouba logged a pair of assists in the game, marking his first two points since returning to the Jets earlier this month.

Nic Petan was forced out of the game in the third period after falling awkwardly to the ice. The Jets forward appeared to have been favouring his leg as he made his way to Winnipeg’s dressing room. Petan is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

The Jets continue their homestand Tuesday when they welcome the New Jersey Devils to Winnipeg. Nashville visits the Colorado Avalanche the same night to wrap up a two-game roadtrip.