WINNIPEG – Mark Scheifele’s first career NHL hat trick helped the Winnipeg Jets (27-32-5) snap a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens (30-30-6).
Scheifele has now scored five goals in his last two games to surpass Blake Wheeler for the team lead with 20.
“It’s definitely huge for me right now,” said Scheifele. “With what’s going down, I wanted to be that guy that stepped up and give a little more. I just want to continue that. I want to continue to grow and continue to get better.”
Scheifele snapped a scoreless tie 4:10 into the second period by putting away the puck off a P.K. Subban turnover in Montreal’s zone. The Canadiens replied 1:13 later as Max Pacioretty sent Alex Galchenyuk a pass for a one-timer from the slot.
Both teams once again traded goals in the third. Andrew Copp put the Jets back in front by tipping a Ben Chiarot shot past Montreal goalie Mike Condon 5:57 into the period. Galchenyuk made it 2-2 mid-frame as he caught Ondrej Pavelec fumbling with his stick from the point.
Scheifele later scored his second of the game by re-directing in a Drew Stafford shot. He completed the hat trick in the final minute of the game by pushing the puck into an empty net.
“It was a big win for our team,” said Copp. “We kept getting the lead and they kept tying it up. Some good perseverance in our room. A great night for Scheifele. Getting that hat trick was pretty cool.”
Pavelec turned away 26 shots for the win. His save total was matched by Condon.
Defenceman Josh Morrissey had a shot, a hit and 15:54 of ice time in his NHL debut. He also blocked two shots.
“I liked his game,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice. “I thought he was quick. He’s smart, he moves the puck well and he’s got good vision.”
Morrissey was called up from the AHL’s Manitoba Moose on Friday. He was the Jets’ top pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
“I was nervous on the way to the rink,” said Morrissey. “Once I got into the arena and as soon as I hit the ice, I felt calm. I think a lot of that had to do with the other guys on the team. Everyone was great to me.”
Defenceman Jacob Trouba missed the game with an upper-body injury. The Jets were also without injured forwards Nikolaj Ehlers (eye), Bryan Little (back) and Anthony Peluso (upper-body).
The Jets play the second of back-to-back games Sunday evening when they welcome the Edmonton Oilers to Winnipeg.