WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets extended their win streak to six games after defeating the Washington Capitals 5-4 in overtime on Saturday night. The Jets went a perfect 3-0-0 on their road trip after victories over Montreal, Boston, and Washington. Winnipeg begins a two-game homestand on Tuesday when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in their first meeting of the season.
The big news tonight is that Mark Scheifele is one goal away from becoming the Jets/Thrashers all-time leader with 329. He is currently tied with Ilya Kovalchuk atop the franchise list. As exciting as it is for the organization and for Jets fans who will be in attendance, the record is not his primary focus.
“Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I just want to go out there and play my best and do what’s required, shift in and shift out,” said Scheifele.
“Obviously, that would be amazing, and we just want to end before the break on a good note.”
It was Scheifele who set up Josh Morrissey for the game winning goal in overtime Saturday in Washington. While it would have been great to break the record on the road trip, should it happen here in Winnipeg over the next couple of games before the 4-Nations Face-Off break will make it even more special.
“My experience as a player, I don’t score as many goals as Scheif, but he’ll take them anywhere, at home, on the road, in any situation,” said Morrissey.
“But certainly, if it works out that he finishes off that record at home, I’m sure he’ll get a huge ovation from the fans, and I know that would mean more to him to be able to do that. He’s grown up in Winnipeg and he committed to being a Jet hopefully for his entire career, and that’s pretty special.”