Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/wheelers-200th-the-deciding--in-jets- victory-over-wild-451999383.html

Wheeler's 200th the deciding goal in Jets victory over Wild

By: Mike McIntyre

They’d been stuck in neutral the past couple of games, unable to take their high-octane offence out for a rip around town. But the found another gear Friday — albeit hitting a few bumps in the road along the way — as they sped past the 4-3 at Bell MTS Place.

Blake Wheeler’s first goal of the year — and 200th of his career — with 6:46 left in the final period broke a tie and led the Jets to their fourth win. Kyle Connor made a spectacular play to gain the zone and feed a streaking Wheeler, who deked Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk.

It was sweet redemption for the captain, as the Jets had the go-ahead goal wiped out a few minutes earlier after Wheeler was found to have interfered with Dubnyk.

"Just trying to get a win, man," Wheeler said of his strong drive in the final frame. "You want to score goals that are meaningful. So with that being said, it makes it a little bit extra special. You just want to win games, 200 or not, it’s nice to contribute to a win."

It was a milestone night for Jets head coach Paul Maurice, who recorded the 600th win of his career.

"I don’t think there’s a significance to it. Most of them looked just like that. Hold your breath for two-and-a-half hours," Maurice said jokingly following the game.

Minnesota (1-2-2) was playing for the first time since Saturday and was without forwards Zach Parise, Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Mikael Granlund due to injury. With making his NHL debut and Ben Chiarot playing for the first time this season, the Jets seemed to have more than they did in their previous two home games, a sleepy 2-1 win over the and a lacklustre 5-2 loss to the .

Winnipeg’s power play clicked early, as Patrik Laine ripped his patented one-timer past Dubnyk. Mark Scheifele skated the puck into the offensive zone and fed Wheeler, who threaded a perfect pass for Laine. It was just the third power-play goal of the season for the Jets — the same number of goals they’ve scored short-handed.

Nikolaj Ehlers made it 2-0 less than two minutes later. Defenceman Toby Enstrom found him alone in the slot, and Ehlers made no mistake for his team-leading sixth of the year.

Much of the focus Friday was on Lemieux’s first game. But it was another son of a former NHL star who nearly got Minnesota on the board, as Landon Ferraro (’s son) was sent in on a breakaway only to be denied by Connor Hellebuyck.

The Wild got on the board in the final minute of the first. Chris Stewart crushed Josh Morrissey with a heavy hit behind the Jets net, then parked himself in front of Hellebuyck and got a pass after Jacob Trouba turned the puck over. Stewart beat Hellebuyck high while Morrissey was still hunched over in pain and unable to cover him.

Maurice said after the game he thought Stewart should have been penalized.

Minnesota tied it midway through the second as a bad pinch by Trouba led to a three-on-one. Jason Zucker fed it over to captain Mikko Koivu, who beat Hellebuyck with a backhander.

The Wild took the lead late in the frame while Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien was in the box for hooking. had a chance to clear the puck but threw it right back to Minnesota defenceman Mike Reilly, whose was tipped by Marcus Foligno past Hellebuyck.

Laine got it back in the final minute of the second, as his power-play slapper hit a Minnesota stick on its way past Dubnyk. Lemieux had done some good work on the previous shift to draw a slashing . Laine is now up to four goals on the year.

"That’s kind of my job on the PP, to find a way and get a shot off," Laine said.

Winnipeg’s second-period woes are becoming an early story once again this season. They’ve now surrendered 13 of their 26 goals in the middle frame, while scoring just six of their 22 goals in that 20-minute window. It’s a similar problem to last season, when the Jets gave up a league- worst 94 goals in the second while scoring just 71.

"I really liked the way we started the hockey game. We weren’t pleased with the way it slid in the second, we felt maybe more self-inflicted, some things that we stopped doing that we got right back to in the third and played our best in the last 20, which is really important," said Maurice.

"We got big performances out of our drivers, (who) really became the best players on the ice and won the game for us."

The Jets appeared to take the lead with just more than 11 minutes left in the third. Wheeler drove hard to the net with the puck, and Scheifele poked the rebound past Dubnyk. Minnesota challenged for goalie interference, arguing Wheeler made contact with Dubnyk. After a few minutes of video review the referees agreed and waved off the goal.

Wheeler made no mistake with his game-winner just a few minutes later.

"It was a strong third. We kind of lost the momentum there after a good start and we were fighting it a little bit," Wheeler said.

Hellebuyck made 24 saves to improve to 4-0-0 in his four starts this season. Only four of those shots came in the third period as the Jets clamped down.

"You know what, I’m happy with the win and the guys prevailed for me," Hellebuyck said following the game.

"I think we managed the third period really well."

Winnipeg doesn’t play again until Thursday in Pittsburgh. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/claude-lemieux-enjoys-rookie-sons-nhl- debut-in-winnipeg-452008913.html

Claude Lemieux enjoys rookie son's NHL debut in Winnipeg

By: Mike McIntyre

Claude Lemieux has no recollection of playing his first of what would be 1,215 regular-season games back in 1983 for the .

But he’ll never forget watching his son, Brendan, take to the ice for his debut Friday night at Bell MTS Place.

"This is exciting. They kind of throw the kids out, I didn’t know about that," Lemieux told the Free Press moments after Brendan, 21, got the rookie treatment by taking a couple solo laps in the pre-game skate while the rest of the Winnipeg Jets hung back in the tunnel.

Claude, his wife Deborah and their daughter, Claudia, flew in for Brendan’s first game against the Minnesota Wild. They were joined in section 121 by Brett Roenick, the son of former NHL star , who is Brendan’s best friend. There were plenty of smiles and hugs, and even a few tears.

"There’s an old saying, it takes more than family to raise a kid, it takes a village. There’s a lot of people who’ve impacted you. There were a lot of good people around him that helped him get here," Lemieux said.

So what did Lemieux — who scored 379 goals, added 407 assists and took 1,777 penalty minutes over his decorated career — have for his son in the way of advice?

"I just told him just try to calm your nerves. Everybody’s nervous your first game, I don’t care who it is," said Lemieux, who now works as a player agent.

"I watch my clients. It doesn’t matter whether they’re skilled guys or grit guys, they’re nervous. Then they sort of settle. I just hope he gets in the rhythm, after he plays a few shifts.

"I told him focus on the left wing, that keeps him focused on where he should be on the ice and what he should be doing."

Brendan got a warm ovation from the crowd on his first shift and certainly had plenty of noticeable energy playing on a line with centre Shawn Matthias and right-winger Nic Petan. Lemieux said his only concern was that his son might be a bit too amped up.

"That’s what you worry about. Those guys, they’re high. It’s not like some guys you have to kick in the butt. I know he’s not likely going to freeze. He’ll be fine," Lemieux said.

"Whenever he’s been in situations like this, first year junior, first few games with the Moose, he’s always done well."

Brendan said before the game he was looking forward to bringing some "sandpaper" to the lineup.

He’s also been developing his offence in the minors, with three goals and two assists through four games with the this season.

Jets head coach Paul Maurice described Brendan as having the potential to be a "new-age power forward" — citing his big, heavy shot, net-front presence and ability to play physical.

"We have lots of room for that here, so if he can get in there and, young players make mistakes, but get that energy level right and not cross that line but be a good physical presence, it should be a good opportunity for him," Maurice said prior to the game.

Claude Lemieux laughed at his own inability to recall his NHL debut, saying he’d have to Google it to refresh his memory.

"I don’t even remember who it was against. I know it was when I was 18. They kept me up for the first couple months, and then in December I was sent down to junior," he said.

Lemieux said a player’s first NHL game is just "one notch" in what could hopefully be a long career.

"This is just one game. But you can’t get to game two until you get game one. So you start from this, you build up and go ahead," he said.

"Playing in the playoffs is another notch, going another step and playing in the finals is another."

Lemieux certainly knows a few things about that, having won four Stanley Cups in his career with the (twice), Avalanche and Montreal.

Now he gets to experience the thrill of the game again, this time through his son.

"You’ve got to experience it, you’ve got to live it," he said. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/lemieux-ready-willing-and-maurice-confident-hes- able-tonight-451912653.html

Lemieux ready, willing... and Maurice confident he's able tonight

By: Mike Sawatzky

Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice is hoping Brendan Lemieux can provide something the Jets are sorely lacking.

Lemieux, a 21-year-old left-winger making his NHL debut tonight against the visiting Minnesota Wild (7 p.m., TSN3, TSN 1290), has an edginess to his game that bears a striking similarity to his famous father, former NHLer Claude Lemieux.

"Just his game, he’s an intense, kind of grindy, maybe flirting with that new-age power forward," Maurice said of the younger Lemieux following this morning's pre-game skate. "He’s got a good, heavy shot, really good stick around the net, doesn’t mind heading to the front of the net.

"He’s one of the very few young players, I guess Brandon Tanev, possibly, that comes in and is not (here) on a pure skill, kind of outside, perimeter game. He plays a more physical game, a more driving game. We have lots of room for that here, so if he can get in there and, young players make mistakes, but get that energy level right tonight and not cross that line, but be a good physical presence, it should be a good opportunity for him. "

The second-year pro will have his dad, mom Deborah, his sister and his girlfriend in the Bell MTS Place stands for his first game in the bigs.

"Well, I think I’m here for a reason," said Lemieux, who had three goals, five points and nine penalty minutes in four games with the AHL's Manitoba Moose before being recalled as an injury replacement Tuesday. "So, they want to see my game and that’s what I’m going to bring. I mean I know what I do well. I like to stick to my strengths and play a simple, hard to play against game. Bring some sandpaper. And if the puck’s there and I can put it in, I’m gonna put it in. That’s kinda the idea.

Originally, Lemieux was tabbed to make his NHL debut on Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets but Brandon Tanev was cleared to play, so Lemieux watched from the press box.

"Early in the week I thought I was playing so there was a lot of emotions that came on," said Lemieux. "It’s probably a blessing in disguise because I was a little too excited. This hasn’t gotten too-too real yet. I’ve had a little bit of time to get more comfortable. Obviously I’m looking forward to it. I know there’s going to be some nerves but tonight’s about trying to contribute and showing what I can do and trying to get a win tonight."

Naturally, he'll depend on dad, who played 21 seasons in the NHL, for guidance and support.

"He was excited," said Lemieux. "He just wants me to stay calm. He reminded me that I can play in this league and that I belong and just to stay comfortable and stay calm. He knows there’s a lot of nerves that come into play in that first game. Just keep your eye on staying in the present and staying in the moment, and enjoying it and realizing that you belong here and you’re here for a reason."

Lemieux is expected to slot in on the left side of Winnipeg's fourth line with centre Shawn Matthias and right-winger Nic Petan.

"He brings energy, a force on the forecheck," said Petan. "Just keep our game simple. I know I’m going to flip a few pucks into his corner during the first period. He’s very fired up to get out there. His speed, his energy and his excitement will help for sure."

Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start in the goal while blue-liner Ben Chiarot will slot in as a replacement for rookie Tucker Poolman. Chiarot had not seen any action in Winnipeg's first six games.

"He’s worked really hard. He’s hungry. We’re expecting this to be a big, physical, strong game in the corners," said Maurice, explaining Chiarot's return to the lineup. "That’s what we’re really hoping he brings to the table. Tucker (Poolman) had been good at his off side in exhibition, he had a rougher night (against Columbus) along with the rest of the group, but tonight seemed like a real good place for Ben to get his chance.

WILD INJURY WOES: Minnesota is battling a number of injuries to key performers who will not suit up tonight, including right-winger Nino Niederreiter (ankle), Zach Parise (undisclosed), centre Charlie Coyle (fractured fibula) and right-winger Mikael Granlund (groin).

Left-winger Marcus Foligno (facial fracture) returns to the lineup after missing one game.

"It doesn't matter who's in your lineup — you can play defence," said Minnesota head coach Bruce Boudreau. "I mean, when you're missing skilled players it's more difficult to score and you have to play better defence."

Boudreau has been emphasizing he wants improvements from everyone after the 1-1-2 Wild surrendered 13 goals in its three losses.

"I hope so because it's something we've been talking about a lot," said Boudreau. "This is a team, year in and year out, probably known way more for their defence than they have been for their offence. They take pride in it. Last year, until March 1, I think we were first by a good margin in defence."

Goaltender Devan Dubnyk will make his fourth start of the season for Minnesota.

Winnipeg Sun http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/10/21/jets-top-wild-on-big-night-for-maurice

Jets top Wild on big night for Maurice Wheeler's winner earns coach 600th NHL win

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

Adversity can come in many forms.

For the Winnipeg Jets, they had to overcome a poor second period, blowing a two-goal lead and having a potential go-ahead marker taken off the board after a video review for goalie interference.

But instead of folding under pressure, the Jets showed some resolve and managed to earn a 4- 3 victory over the Minnesota Wild last night at Bell MTS Place.

“We knew we needed to be better in the third period if we wanted to win this game and everybody battled so hard,” said Jets forward Patrik Laine, who scored twice to lead the offensive attack. “It’s not a good feeling when you see they’re taking over but stuff like that happens during the game and you need to play your own game and try to be as simple as possible and good things will happen after that.”

The Jets, who improved to 4-3 and have won four of the past five games, don’t play again until next Thursday, when they open a two-game road trip against the .

After a lacklustre effort in a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Jets were determined to come out strong in their first game against a Central Division opponent.

Mission accomplished on that front, as the Jets jumped out to a 2-0 advantage after goals from Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers that came one minute and 42 seconds apart in the opening period.

But the Wild hung around and cut into the deficit in the final minute of the opening period.

The goal from Chris Stewart was the first of three consecutive goals scored by the Wild, who got second-period markers from Mikko Koivu and Mike Reilly.

The Jets’ second-period struggles last season are well documented, as they were outscored 94- 71 (minus-23).

Although it’s only been seven games so far this season, the Jets have already been outscored 13-5 in the second period (minus-8).

The Jets thought they had taken the lead at 8:42 of the third after Blake Wheeler drove hard to the net and Mark Scheifele poked in the rebound.

But after Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau challenged for goalie interference, the play was reviewed and the goal was disallowed.

As Wheeler cut through the crease, he did make contact with the blocker arm of Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk – which must have been what replay officials deemed was enough to call goalie interference.

Several shifts later, Kyle Connor found Wheeler in front of the net and the captain converted the chance for the go-ahead goal, which was the 200th of his NHL career.

“You want to score goals that are meaningful. It makes it a little more extra special,” said Wheeler. “You just want to win games, 200 or not, it’s nice to contribute to a win.”

Speaking of milestones, Friday’s victory was the 600th career win for Jets head coach Paul Maurice – who didn’t seem all that impressed with the fact he became the second youngest bench boss (behind all-time wins leader Scotty Bowman) to reach the number.

“I don’t think there’s a significance to it. Most of them looked just like that. Hold your breath for two-and-a-half hours,” said Maurice, who became the 17th NHL head coach with 600 wins. “I won’t think about it a whole lot. It’s nice

Maurice might not be putting much stock into the 600th victory right now, but Wheeler spoke about the significance of hitting the mark.

“For guys like that, there’s a reason why you have 600 wins,” said Wheeler. “(Maurice is) a quality hockey man who communicates incredibly well with the guys. It’s no mistake. You don’t stick around that long if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Hopefully, there are many more to come here.”

The game featured the NHL debut of left-winger Brendan Lemieux, who did exactly what he was asked to do, taking 12 shifts, recording two hits while playing a disciplined game.

Lemieux found himself on the ice with fewer than three minutes left in regulation, with the Jets holding onto a one-goal lead.

Talk about a vote of confidence from the head coach.

“I’m still smiling a little bit. It was really fun, “ said Lemieux. “All I kept thinking was I want to have a solid game, to be able to be trustworthy out there and reliable and contribute with energy. I felt like I did that pretty well considering. When you get the tap to go late in the game there, it means a lot.

“Now it’s a matter of putting one foot in front of another and keep moving in the right direction.”

Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck extended his personal winning streak to four, making 24 saves as he improved to 4-0.

One again, Hellebuyck helped steady the ship when the Jets were reeling during the second period, turning aside all nine shots directed his way during the third period.

“I think we managed the third period really well,” said Hellebuyck. “I would have liked to have the second one but, you know, I’m getting nitpicky because that’s what I want to be, I want to be better and I need to get better. You know what, I’m happy with the win and the guys prevailed for me.” http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/10/20/jets-doing-better-job-with-discipline-so-far

Jets doing better job with discipline (so far)

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN

Discipline – or a lack thereof – has pretty much been a four-letter word around the Winnipeg Jets for the past several seasons.

So when the topic was broached prior to Friday’s game against the Minnesota Wild, Jets head coach Paul Maurice was quick to knock on the podium before proving an answer to the assembled members of the media.

“Not bad. You know, better for sure. Much better,” Maurice said following the morning skate. “Sticks on the ice and I think we’ve tried to adhere to the new standard slashing call. A lot of times our original position is much better. Not bad. Incrementally better for sure, but it’s something we look at pretty much daily.”

Going into the contest, the Jets had been shorthanded 24 times, an average of four times per game.

Those are decent numbers for a squad that has often struggled in that area.

On the flip side, the Jets had only had 20 power plays during that time – which means they’ll need to use their speed to generate a few more man-advantages.

Dangerous on the PK During the previous four games, the Jets have actually scored twice while shorthanded and have only given up two power-play goals.

After the first two games, Maurice put Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele and Bryan Little back into the rotation of forwards involved on the penalty kill and that has led to an improvement while playing a man down.

As for why the Jets have been dangerous offensively on the penalty kill, Maurice believes it’s a combination of speed and the personnel on the opponent’s power play.

“We got some guys on the back end that can transition up,” said Maurice. “You’ve seen a significant shift in how power plays are run over the past few years where there are far more up with four guys to the net, which is very effective, very dangerous, but any rebounds that come out, anything that comes out into that area, if you have speed there, you can counter on that pretty quickly.”

While the Jets have scored three shorthanded goals this season (Brandon Tanev, Tyler Myers and have the markers), they had only managed to score twice on the power play through six games.

Armia and the highlight-reel The shorthanded goal from Armia – which saw him poke the puck out at the defensive blue line and go end-to-end before toe-dragging Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson and beating Joonas Korpisalo high to the glove side – was still generating some discussion on Friday morning.

When you see Armia make plays like that one, it’s natural to expect he should be contributing offence on a more consistent basis.

“With Joel, we just feel it’s more mechanics than anything else. His first thought has to be to move the feet and then all those other good things will be there,” said Maurice. “He has a fantastic set of hands. He probably employs them far too much, far more than he needs too. Going back to thinking the goal he scored shorthanded against New Jersey last year, it was just a real brilliant piece of video.

“Well, he toe-dragged a guy twice in the neutral zone to do it while we’re killing a penalty. We’re excited about the event, but if you’re able to create that over and over, I don’t think many players can. We’re trying to help Joel find the right places and right times on the ice to show those things he can do.”

Move to the middle Jets forward Shawn Matthias slid over to centre for Friday’s game after being used almost exclusively as a winger for the better part of five seasons.

Matthias got a taste of centre during the pre-season and Maurice wasn’t concerned about him encountering any difficulty with the transition back to his natural position.

“Started his career at it. Faceoffs are going to be (a challenge). This is such a powerful faceoff team here, you’re going to have a hard time getting 50% anyway,” said Maurice. “But working down low, size and moving the puck. I thought he transitioned pretty easily and we need to get Nic Petan out of the middle of the ice and to the wing where he can find the puck in different areas on the ice.”

Petan back on first PP unit Although Petan remains on the fourth line, at least for the time being, he’s moved back onto the Jets’ first power-play unit – where part of his job will be to create good looks for Patrik Laine and Dustin Byfuglien with his passing ability.

Petan had no points while suiting up for five of the first six games going into Friday’s contest.

How does he feel about his start to the campaign?

“It’s been all right,” said Petan. “Same sort of thing (as last season). It’s nice to be on the power play. I know we haven’t got that many power plays the last few games. Being on the fourth line, it’s a challenge but I’ve just got to stay positive and when you get your power-play minutes, you’ve got to show (your offensive ability).”

Injury update With five days between games, the Jets have an opportunity to potentially welcome a few players back from the injured list.

Defenceman Dmitry Kulikov and forward Matt Hendricks both took part in Friday’s optional morning skate and are candidates to get into the lineup next Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Although centre Adam Lowry hasn’t been skating with the main group since dealing with an upper-body injury, there’s a chance he could return to action next week as well after missing the past three games.

The only player who is expected to be out of the Jets lineup for an extended period of time is Mathieu Perreault, who is out with a knee injury.

Canadian Press http://www.chrisd.ca/2017/10/20/blake-wheeler-paul-maurice-reach-milestones-jets-4-3-win- wild/#.WetVzFtSzIU

Blake Wheeler, Paul Maurice Reach Milestones in Jets 4-3 Win Over Wild

By Judy Owen, The Canadian Press

WINNIPEG – Head coach Paul Maurice and Jets captain Blake Wheeler had two things in common Friday. Both reached a personal milestone and they both shrugged it off.

Wheeler scored the 200th goal of his NHL career with 6:46 left in the third period to propel Winnipeg to a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild.

“You just want to win games, 200 or not, it’s nice to contribute to a win,” said Wheeler, who added an assist.

Wheeler’s first goal of the season also helped Maurice record his 600th win as an NHL head coach. He’s the 17th coach to reach that milestone.

“I don’t think there’s a significance to it,” Maurice said. “Most of them looked just like that — hold your breath for two-and-a-half hours. I won’t think about it a whole lot. It’s nice.”

Wheeler’s winning goal came after the Wild turned the puck over just outside their blue line.

Rookie forward Kyle Connor fed a pass to Wheeler, who used a deke to beat goalie Devin Dubnyk at 13:14. Wheeler’s score made up for a disallowed Winnipeg goal midway through the period.

Jets centre Mark Scheifele appeared to have poked in the go-ahead goal, but it was overturned on a Minnesota challenge that Wheeler interfered with Dubnyk.

Patrik Laine scored a pair of power-play goals and Nikolaj Ehlers added his sixth goal of the season for Winnipeg (4-3-0). Scheifele and Dustin Byfuglien each picked up a pair of assists.

Mikko Koivu, Marcus Foligno and Chris Stewart, who extended his point streak to five games, supplied the offence for the Wild (1-2-2). Foligno tipped a shot from Mike Reilly, who was originally awarded the goal. Jason Zucker had a pair of assists.

Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for the Jets. It was his fourth victory on the season with no losses.

Dubnyk stopped 26 of the 30 shots he faced for the rested Wild, who were playing their first game since their home opener last Saturday.

Minnesota had a 3-2 lead late in the second period, but Laine’s slapshot from the point with 33 seconds left in the middle frame appeared to tick off a Minnesota stick and went high over Dubnyk for the 3-3 tie.

“Regardless of it hitting something or not, that’s not something we want to be giving up on the power play,” Dubnyk said. “He’s got one of the best shots in the league and he’s setting it up on the ladies’ tee.”

Losing the lead is becoming all too familiar to Wild coach Bruce Boudreau.

“I thought we took the play to them until we got the lead,” Boudreau said. “Then it seems like we’re afraid to win because all five games right now, we’ve been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go in the third period.

“And you look at our record and it’s not good enough. When you’re that close in every game, no matter who’s in the lineup and you come away with nothing we’ve got to do some soul searching.”

The victory ended Winnipeg’s three-game homestand (2-1-0). The Jets don’t play again until a pair of road games in Pittsburgh next Thursday and Columbus on Friday.

Minnesota quickly travels to Calgary for a game Saturday.

Notes — Jets forward Brendan Lemieux, son of former NHLer Claude Lemieux, made his NHL debut with his family in the crowd. Lemieux arrived in Winnipeg in the 2015 trade that sent former Jets and to the .

Minneapolis Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/jets-beat-wild-with-a-fast-finish/451997743/#1

Still-porous Wild defense can't protect lead at Winnipeg The Jets erased a deficit, aided by too-frequent Wild letdowns.

By Rachel Blount

WINNIPEG – As threadbare as the Wild roster may be, coach Bruce Boudreau doesn’t believe that should have any impact on its ability to play effectively in its own zone. “No matter who’s in the lineup, you can play defense,” he said.

The question remained, though, whether the Wild would actually follow through with a better defensive effort Friday at Winnipeg. And the answer wasn’t enough to placate Boudreau, after his team again squandered a lead in a 4-3 loss at Bell MTS Place. While the Wild had its moments, a slow start, some blatant mistakes and another late-game lapse left Boudreau unsatisfied.

Playing for the first time in six days, the Wild spotted the Jets and their high-powered offense a 2-0 lead by leaving two players wide open for first-period goals. Chris Stewart, Mikko Koivu and Marcus Foligno scored consecutive goals to put the Wild ahead 3-2 with four minutes, 21 seconds left in the second period.

Winnipeg got the last word, as so many Wild opponents have done in this young season. The winner came from Plymouth native and former Gopher Blake Wheeler with 6:46 remaining after the Wild could not gain control of the puck in the neutral zone. That prompted Boudreau to suggest his team do some “soul-searching,” knowing points lost in October can loom large in April.

“[The Jets] got four, and that’s not as good as you want,” Boudreau said of a Wild defense that has given up fewer than four goals only once in five games. “Look at the end of the year, at [teams whose] goals-against average is three and over, and see where those guys end up. They’re never in the playoffs.

“It seems like we’re afraid to win. All five games, we’ve been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go. When you’re that close in every game, and you come away with nothing, we’ve got to do some soul-searching.”

His players didn’t argue. The Wild spent much of its abundant practice time last week working to tighten a shaky defense, only to give up two goals in the first 9:49 and successfully kill only one of three penalties.

The second defensive pair, Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin, had a particularly rough night. They miscommunicated on the second Winnipeg goal, as both went to the same area and left Nikolaj Ehlers alone in front of the net. That goal came after sniper Patrik Laine scored from the left circle on a power play with no defenders nearby.

Wild center Eric Staal said his team took some time to get up to game speed because of the five-day gap between games. They found their legs late in the first period — propelled by the line of Stewart, Koivu and Jason Zucker — and closed fast, as Stewart shoveled a backhander over Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck with 53 seconds left before intermission.

“We got better and clawed our way back,” Staal said. “But it’s frustrating right now. We’ve got to find ways to raise our compete and just get the job done.”

The Koivu line struck again to tie the score in the second period, and Foligno’s redirection of a Mike Reilly shot on a power play put the Wild ahead 3-2. But Winnipeg tied it when Laine’s shot on a power play deflected off Koivu’s stick with 32.7 seconds left in the second period, and the Wild had no answer.

“We’ve got to figure it out,” Zucker said. “We can’t keep doing this. All these games matter.”

NHL.com https://www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild-winnipeg-jets-game-recap/c-292136652

Wheeler helps Jets rally past Wild; Maurice wins 600th game Scores tiebreaking goal in third period after giving up lead by Scott Billeck / NHL.com Correspondent

WINNIPEG -- Blake Wheeler scored his 200th NHL goal with 6:46 left in the third period to give the Winnipeg Jets a 4-3 win against the Minnesota Wild at Bell MTS Place on Friday.

Kyle Connor rushed up the right side and found Wheeler with a centering pass he took to his backhand to beat Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk.

"You want to score goals that are meaningful," Wheeler said. "It makes it a little more extra special. You just want to win games, 200 [goals] or not, it's nice to contribute to a win."

Patrik Laine scored twice, and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Jets (4-3-0). Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves and is 4-0-0 this season.

It was Paul Maurice's 600th win as an NHL coach. He is 600-572-101 with 99 ties for the Jets, Carolina Hurricanes, and Hartford Whalers.

Chris Stewart, Mikko Koivu and Marcus Foligno scored for the Wild (1-2-2). Dubnyk made 26 saves.

"We're fighting," Minnesota forward Eric Staal said. "Obviously, being down two, and we kind of found our legs and got better and clawed our way back. But [it's] frustrating right now losing that one in regulation. We've got to find ways to raise our compete and just get the job done."

Laine scored on the power play at 8:07 of the first period, a one-timer from Wheeler's cross-ice pass.

"Blake's passes are always good, so it's easy to shoot from those passes," Laine said. "That's kind of my job on the [power play], is to find a way and get a shot off."

Ehlers made it 2-0 with his sixth goal and eighth point in his past five games at 9:49. The goal, scored on a wrist shot from the slot, was waved off, but video review showed the puck went off the padding in the back of the net before coming out.

Stewart scored to extend his point streak to five games (five goals, two assists) at 19:06 to make it 2-1. He hit Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey behind the net and moved into the slot, where Jason Zucker found him with a pass.

Koivu tied the game 2-2 on a backhand past Hellebuyck at 10:51 of the second period. Foligno redirected Mike Reilly's point shot past Hellebuyck on the power play for his first of the season to make it 3-2 at 15:39.

Laine scored his fourth of the season on the power play to tie the game 3-3 at 19:27.

"I thought we took the play to them until we got the lead, then it seems like we're afraid to win, because all five games right now, we've been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go in the third period," Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said.

Goal of the game Winnipeg's top line used its speed, with Connor carrying the play into the zone from the center line and Wheeler getting past Wild defenseman Matt Dumba to create an opening to make a quick deke past Dubnyk for the game-winner.

Save of the game Hellebuyck fought through a screened point shot from Wild defenseman Ryan Suter and got his glove on it with 32 seconds remaining.

Highlight of the game Laine took a back pass from Mark Scheifele at the top of the left circle and his slap shot deflected off Koivu's stick over Dubnyk's blocker on the power play in the second period.

They said it "I think we can negate the swings by playing better defense. I think we gave them their opportunities and I think we created a bunch (of our own) by good forechecks. We gave up too many chances to that high-powered an offense." -- Wild forward Jason Zucker

"I don't think there's a significance to it. Most of them looked just like that. Hold your breath for two and a half hours. I won't think about it a whole lot. It's nice." -- Jets coach Paul Maurice on his 600th NHL win

Need to know Zucker had his third two-point game of the season (two goals, four assists). … Wheeler has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in seven games. … Scheifele had a go-ahead goal overturned by video review after it was deemed Wheeler interfered with Dubnyk at 8:42 of the third. … Winnipeg has five days off before its next game.

What's next Wild: At the on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; CBC, FS-N, NHL.TV) Jets: At the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; ATTSN-PT, TSN3, NHL.TV)

ESPN.com http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/21064026/nhl-patrik-laine-nearing-teemu-selanne-status- native-finland

Patrik Laine already nearing Teemu Selanne levels of fame in native Finland

By Tal Pinchevsky

At age 19, he's already become a fixture in his native Finland, with national media covering everything from his hairstyle to his girlfriend to the kind of car he drives. But he's not a heartthrob actor or soulful pop star or even a doe-eyed Instagram model. He's Patrik Laine, one of the NHL's top young scorers.

When it comes to all the attention the Winnipeg Jets winger has garnered in his homeland in such a short time, Laine just doesn't get it.

"It was a little bit weird. There was a bunch of boring stories about me and what I'm doing. All kinds of stories, made at all times," Laine said in the preseason. "That's a little bit confusing and a little weird, but it's fine."

After being drafted second overall in the 2016 draft, Laine enjoyed a remarkable rookie season with the Jets, scoring 36 goals in 73 games to rank seventh in the league. An All-Star in his first season as well as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy awarded annually to the NHL's top rookie, Laine spent the offseason in his hometown of Tampere. It wasn't long after returning home that he realized how drastically his public profile had grown in the country since leaving for Winnipeg.

Patrik Laine is already sort of a big deal in Finland. Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images He wasn't the only NHL player to notice.

"Now everyone talks about Laine. Everyone wants to be Laine. It used to be everyone wanted to be goalies. Now they want to score goals. It's changed," said goaltender Tuukka Rask, who also spent his offseason in his native Finland.

"He's all over the news. Every time you open the internet, there's something in the news about him because people click it and newspapers love it."

Young athletes generating a wave of headlines is nothing new. Think Auston Matthews in Toronto or Connor McDavid basically anywhere in Canada. But Laine's Finnish coverage goes well beyond the ice.

A photo of him and his girlfriend, Finnish women's player Sanna-Mari Kiukas, attending a screening of "Baywatch" in a Tampere movie theater this past summer earned a headline on a Finnish news site. The same thing happened when he was seen driving a new BMW and when he began his off-ice workouts with his trainer. One Finnish site even published a story after Laine cut his lengthy golden locks.

This is Justin Bieber-level paparazzi madness. Laine, for one, doesn't get it.

"You don't know much about pro hockey when you're growing up. You just think that it's only hockey and it's only playing," Laine said. "But it's a lot of work with the media and a lot of interviews and stuff. It's a little bit different than I thought."

The young scoring star was already generating headlines in Finnish sports media before the Jets called his name moments after the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Matthews first overall in 2016. Laine's seven goals at the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championships tied Matthews for the tournament lead, and Laine helped Finland capture gold on home ice.

Months later, he was named playoff MVP as Tappara won the Finnish league title. Shortly after that, he was the youngest player on a Finnish national team that won silver at the IIHF World Championships in Russia.

By the time Laine reported to Winnipeg for his first NHL training camp, Lainemania had officially taken over Finland. The moment he arrived at Jets camp, he was greeted by a team of Finnish reporters. The foreign contingent would follow Laine the entire season, with the Jets at times accommodating as many as 10 members of the Finnish media. That hasn't changed much this season.

Even Jets teammates, accustomed to Winnipeg's passionate hockey media, were impressed by Laine's ability to calmly handle locker room scrums in two languages.

"We always give it to him. We talk about how he's a god in Finland. It's crazy. This year with the media attention he had, I think we saw the stardom he has over in Finland," Jets center Mark Scheifele said. "There's probably Finnish media there every day talking to him. I'm like, 'Give this guy a break. He's 18 years old. Let's get him a day off or two.'"

Between his goal-scoring exploits, his place in Winnipeg sports lore and, yes, his hair, comparisons with former Jets star and Finnish national treasure Teemu Selanne are inevitable. A member of the upcoming Hockey Hall of Fame class, Selanne is the high-water mark for Finnish sports superstardom. If Laine can maintain last season's scoring pace -- he has two goals and two assists in six games this season -- he might not be far behind the hockey icon.

"He's a big guy in our country, a legend who has been an idol to a lot of young kids who have played hockey in Finland," Laine told NHL.com last season. "He's just an amazing guy. He was an awesome player and it's nice to know him."

"Teemu has been here 20, 30 years. It's tough for [Laine] to achieve that, but he's pretty close up there," said former NHL goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who currently plays in Finland. "Everyone follows him. I don't know if it's fair for a young kid. But there's a lot of high expectations for him. I know he's a guy who doesn't really care about that. He has his own expectations."

If it all means the Jets get to the postseason, Laine can live with that attention. Even if he doesn't completely understand it.

"That's important for the fans and the media back home. I know there's a lot of people who like to know what I'm up to and how it's going in my life and my hockey," Laine said. "Every game, there is somebody from Finland. That's pretty weird. It's a long way from Finland to come to Winnipeg."

TSN.ca (VIDEO LINKS) http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/lemieux-looks-to-add-some-sandpaper-to-jets-lineup-in- debut~1237835

Lemieux looks to add some sandpaper to Jets' lineup in debut

Brendan Lemieux will make his NHL debut tonight when the Jets host the Wild, and the son of Claude Lemieux is hoping to bring some grit to the lineup and contribute up front.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) http://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/lemieux-getting-to-experience-an-nhl-debut-as-a-father- 1.891295

Lemieux: Getting to experience an NHL debut as a father

Claude Lemieux joins the Afternoon Ride to discuss the NHL debut of his son Brendan Lemieux with the Winnipeg Jets. Lemieux shares his experience in his NHL debut, and watching his son grow and develop as a hockey player. http://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/wiebe-lemieux-can-bring-more-than-just-energy- 1.891337

Wiebe: Lemieux can bring more than just energy

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun joins the Afternoon Ride to discuss the addition of Brendan Lemieux, making his NHL debut, to the Winnipeg Jets lineup, and what the Jets bottom 6 can do to start contributing to the score sheet. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-rally-from-losing-early-lead-to-beat-wild-4-3/c-292139856

Jets rally from losing early lead to beat Wild 4-3 Laine scores twice, Wheeler notches 200th career goal in Jets win by Mitchell Clinton @MitchellClinton / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - The season may only be seven games old, but the Winnipeg Jets have focused on improving how they handle adversity.

They saw their fair share of it tonight against the Minnesota Wild, and passed with flying colours in a 4-3 win.

"We kind of lost the momentum there after a good start, and we were fighting it a little bit," said Blake Wheeler. "I thought we got moving a little bit better in the third, and made some nice plays. At the end of the day you have to execute a play or two here and there. We did just enough to get it."

Look no further than when the game was tied at three, with 11:18 to go. Blake Wheeler drove around Matt Dumba, and his initial backhand was stopped by Devan Dubnyk, and Mark Scheifele slid home what would be the go ahead goal.

Except it wasn't to be.

After a challenge from the Wild, the goal was called back due to goaltender interference. All that did though, was set the stage for the captain, who netted his 200th career goal off a slick backhand feed from Kyle Connor.

"Both were the product of great plays. (Tyler) Myers made a great play waiting for me on the disallowed goal. And Connor made just an unbelievable backhand pass to a little bit of a tap in there," said Wheeler. "Great plays by those guys, and I was able to get a bit of speed and get some cross overs going, and luckily got around them."

The Jets got the first power play of the game, and Patrik Laine made sure the opportunity didn't go to waste. Entering the zone off the rush from a Mark Scheifele pass, Blake Wheeler spotted Laine across the ice on the left wing. The captain slid the feed over, and Laine ripped it past a sliding Dubnyk.

The power play finished two-for-three on the night, after not finding twine since the win over Edmonton on Oct. 9.

"There's lots of places to put the puck, and 29 is usually a good option," said Maurice.

"It's not something you want to force. When the power play is rolling right, there are too many other good options for that to happen. We got stuck on the half wall for about three or four games massaging the puck. We had clean entries today… It's all about speed, and they were much quicker tonight."

Just 1:42 later, the Jets would increase the lead to 2-0 off some great work from Toby Enstrom. Pinching in from the blue line, the veteran defenceman beat Chris Stewart wide down the left wing boards and slid a nifty pass to Nikolaj Ehlers all alone in front of Dubnyk. Ehlers fired a wrist shot off the bar and in, and after a quick video review, Ehlers had his team-leading sixth of the season.

Stewart cut the Jets lead to one after catching Josh Morrissey with a hit behind the Jets net on a forecheck. Morrissey felt the effects of the hit and was slow to his feet, which gave Stewart time to get in front and backhand a pass from Jason Zucker past Hellebuyck.

Just under five minutes later, Mikko Koivu took a pass from Zucker's on an odd man rush with Shawn Matthias giving chase, and Koivu slipped a backhand past Hellebuyck to tie the game at two.

Then with Dustin Byfuglien off for holding, the Wild would take the lead on the power play when a point shot from Mike Reilly got through a screen in front of Hellebuyck putting Minnesota up 3- 2.

"We weren't pleased with the way it slid in the second, and that was we felt maybe more self- inflicted. Some things that we stopped doing, but we played our best in the last 20, which is really important," said Maurice.

"We got big performances out of our drivers. Really became the best players on the ice and won the game for us."

Laine made sure the Wild didn't have the lead long. When the Jets got a power play of their own when Kyle Quincey slashed the stick of Brendan Lemieux, Scheifele carried the puck in to the offensive zone, spun back and found Laine at the top of the circle. His blast beat Dubnyk high on the stick side for the Finnish forward's second of the night.

"I think it was more like a muffin," Laine said with a smile. "I think it hit Koivu or someone else's stick. That wasn't a good shot, but I'll take it.

"We haven't had that much success on our power play in the regular season, so it was nice to get the two goals."

Hellebuyck made 24 saves on the night to move to 4-0-0 in his four starts this season.

ICE CHIPS Brendan Lemieux finished with 9:53 of ice time in his NHL debut, and had a couple of hits to go along with it, all with his dad - former NHLer Claude - his mom, sister, and girlfriend in attendance.

"I'm still smiling a little bit. It was really fun. I'm just really happy we came out with the win," said Lemieux.

"Coach said before the game that you can win a bunch of Stanley Cups, and MVPs, and score a million goals, but you only get one first game. I took that to heart and it was kind of surreal. I thought about that my whole life. Everyone in my family was hoping I could get here, and now I'm here. Now it's matter of sticking, and contributing. Tonight was incredible. I'm just really blessed to have had the opportunity."

Maurice didn't hesitate to play Lemieux in key situations, including when the Jets were up a goal with under three minutes left in regulation.

"He had earned it. He played a real simple game. But three or four times he took the puck from the hashmarks in our end to their end of the ice and looked to get a hit - simple, clean, showed good speed," said Maurice. "I thought he was strong on the puck, and strong on those battles. So I had lots of confidence in him going in." https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--jets-4-wild-3-f/t-277437442/c-53720003

POSTGAME | Jets 4 Wild 3 - F

JetsTV's Mitchell Clinton recaps tonight's big 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--paul-maurice/t-277437442/c-53718803

POSTGAME | Paul Maurice

Head Coach Paul Maurice addresses the media post-game at Bell MTS Place https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--brendan-lemieux/t-277437442/c-53718503

POSTGAME | Brendan Lemieux

Brendan Lemieux reflects on his first NHL game https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--connor-hellebuyck/t-277437442/c-53717703

POSTGAME | Connor Hellebuyck

Connor Hellebuycks' comments following a 4-3 win over the Wild https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--blake-wheeler/t-277437442/c-53718203

POSTGAME | Blake Wheeler

The captain talks about what went right in a 4-3 win over the Wild https://www.nhl.com/jets/video/postgame--patrik-laine/t-277437442/c-53718103

POSTGAME | Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine discusses his two-goal performance in a 4-3 win over the Wild