Ethan Bear and Tomas Jurco scored two goals each as the Edmonton Oilers earned a 5-3 pre-season win over the Winnipeg Jets Thursday night.
LISTEN BELOW: Tomas Jurco
The Jets struck first when C.J. Suess batted a puck out of the air and past Mike Smith at 10:07 of the first period.
About five minutes later, James Neal took advantage of a Jets turnover and fed Jurco in front. He banged home his second of the pre-season.
Head coach Dave Tippett praised the play of Jurco and said he’s playing smarter.
“I think he’s coming to the point in his career where he recognizes he’s got to be a good two-way player, the skill isn’t just going to carry him. So he’s trying to play a smart game, use his skills to his best advantage he can but play a smart game and try to help his linemates.”
LISTEN BELOW: Dave Tippett
Connor McDavid had an open net after a pass from Neal to tally on the power play early in the second.
McDavid said the team went back to the basics for the win.
“Guys were just desperate. I thought we did a good job playing fast, we got in front on the forecheck and just got pucks to the net. Good things happen when you do that and a couple guys were rewarded.”
LISTEN BELOW: Connor McDavid
The Jets came back with goals from Tucker Poolman and Gabriel Bourque.
The Oilers took over in the third.
Bear scored on rebound to tie up. Jurco cut down the right wing and lifted a shot over Connor Hellebucyk’s shoulder to give Edmonton the lead.
Bear drove a shot home from the high slot to round out the scoring with 5:44 left.
Bear said work this off-season is paying off.
“I think just getting a little more experience in the minors and then working a little harder this off-season, getting stronger obviously helped me feel a little bit more confident and just not being afraid to shoot.”
LISTEN BELOW: Ethan Bear
The Oilers conclude their pre-season Saturday in Calgary.
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