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Jordan Staal achieved two goals in the Friday game, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 4-3 triumph. This victory somewhat overshadowed Eric Comrie’s debut as the starting goalie for the Winnipeg Jets.
Comrie stepped in for Connor Hellebuyck, the team’s primary goaltender. The team announced on Friday that Hellebuyck underwent arthroscopic surgery to address a knee issue that originated during the training camp. His recovery is projected to take four to six weeks.
The former secondary goalie managed to block 24 shots for Winnipeg (12-8-0) and has a season record of 4-2-0.
Gabriel Vilardi scored twice, while defenseman Josh Morrissey contributed one goal for Winnipeg. Morrissey also extended his scoring streak to seven consecutive games, accumulating four goals and seven assists during this period.
Seth Jarvis scored while his team was shorthanded for Carolina (14-5-2), and K’Andre Miller and Sebastian Aho each provided two assists. Backup goalie Brandon Bussi successfully blocked 24 shots.
Staal initiated the scoring just 16 seconds into the game, maneuvering past Jets defenders Dylan Samberg and successfully shooting the puck past Comrie on the stick side.
Morrissey evened the score with his fifth goal of the season at 3:45, which was then followed by Vilardi’s power-play goal at 9:28, resulting from a Carolina turnover.
Staal achieved his second goal of the game by redirecting Jalen Chatfield’s shot from the point at 3:08 during the second period. Jarvis then scored his 11th goal of the season at 6:31.
Svechnikov increased their advantage to 4-2 early in the third period, but Vilardi quickly responded 54 seconds later, narrowing the score difference to just one goal.
Key Points
Jets: With Hellebuyck absent, Winnipeg’s defensive players were expected to elevate their performance, and Morrissey delivered the first goal with a pass from Mark Scheifele. The top-line center has accumulated 28 points in the initial 20 games, matching his career-best performance from 2021-22 within the same timeframe.
Hurricanes: During the first period, the Jets presented a video tribute to Carolina forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who had played 674 games for Winnipeg prior to signing with the Hurricanes in the off-season. Ehlers moved away from Carolina’s bench and applauded with his gloves to acknowledge the cheering crowd, which marked the second sellout of the season at Canada Life Centre.
Turning Point
Ehlers executed a blind pass across the area in front of the net, connecting with Svechnikov, who then successfully scored against Comrie at 3:19 of the third period, establishing a 4-2 lead that proved crucial after the Jets quickly responded with their own goal.
Significant Statistic
Carolina, demonstrating consistency, has achieved three or more goals in each of its last five games, with a record of 3-0-2 over this period.
What’s Next
Jets: Will conclude their three-game home series on Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Wild.
Hurricanes: Will finish their four-game road trip in Buffalo on Sunday afternoon, facing the Sabres.
