DALLAS – It’s a double milestone night for the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.
Cole Perfetti will play his 300th career game when the puck drops against the Dallas Stars, while defenceman Mario Ferraro suits up in his 500th.
“The other day I knew I was getting close,” said Perfetti. “Every 100 games is a cool milestone and a great accomplishment.”
Injuries early in his career kept Perfetti from accumulating games as quickly as he’d like, but he’s quickly evolved and learned how he has to play to be an effective player in the National Hockey League.
It’s paid off, as he’s off to a sensational start on Winnipeg’s top line with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor.
“There is a player there that’s learned how to play in this league, how to evolve to use his tools, be an asset,” said head coach Scott Arniel. “I consider him still young and I know he’s at 300 games, but he’s getting better and better. That’s the part about players you like to see. They prove every year and bring their skill set to the table every night.”
Heading into his 300th game, Perfetti has already hit the 100-assist mark (doing so back on October 4 in the second game of the season) and has 65 career goals.
As for Ferraro, 490 of the NHL games on his resume came in San Jose Sharks teal. The 28-year-old has quickly made an impression in Jets colours – on and off the ice.
“You know where he is all the time. He’s very vocal, both in the game and in the dressing room. He’s got a great personality, a real bubbly personality. Guys have a lot of fun with him,” said Arniel. “He’s got some real bite and compete to him that we really like as well. He went through some tough times in San Jose but also some success, especially last year. He’s experienced a lot of different things over his career. To play 500 games the way he plays it is a real good accomplishment for him. He’s been a real nice piece for us.”
In the consistently busy and relentless NHL schedule, sometimes days can blend together and the stretches of four games in six nights can make it difficult to look back.
But nights like tonight offer an opportunity for reflection and appreciation.
“Every 100 games you could probably look back and see how you’ve matured and developed and grown as a player. I think from the start until now it’s been a big difference,” said Perfetti. “It’s been five years. I’m definitely a different player, feel a lot more confident in my game, a lot better with it.”
