The Winnipeg Jets rode the goaltending of Connor Hellebuyck and the goal scoring of Patrik Laine to a 3-2 win over Carolina on Sunday Night to kick off a more than week long road trip that will wind up next Tuesday in Nashville.
Hellebuyck made 33 saves, including 17 in the second period, to post his franchise record tying 34th win of the season. Kari Lehtonen also had 34 wins for the then Atlanta Thrashers during the 2006-07 NHL season.
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Laine scored his 34th and 35th goals of the season and also had an assist on Paul Statsny’s game winning goal. The 19 year old Finnish forward has 10 goals and 16 points in his last eight games to boost his season totals to 35-23-58 in 65 games.
The win improved the Jets overall record to 39-17-9, leaving them just four victories shy of tying the franchise mark of 43 which was also set 11 years ago.
Winnipeg’s road trip continues on Tuesday Night against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.