Connor Hellebuyck powers Jets past Canucks for third straight win

Field Level Media|published: Sun 30th March, 17:58 2025

Mar 30, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Vancouver Canucks center Linus Karlsson (94) looks for a rebound in front of Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) in the first period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Connor Hellebuyck stopped 23 of 24 shots he faced and the Winnipeg Jets secured their third consecutive win as they topped the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 on home ice on Sunday afternoon.

Kyle Connor tallied a goal and an assist, Cole Perfetti scored a highlight reel goal and Mason Appleton also scored for the Jets (51-19-4, 106 points).

Pius Suter scored the Canucks' lone goal, while Thatcher Demko made 24 saves for Vancouver (34-26-13, 81 points).

Perfetti dazzled with 7:49 left in the contest as he toe-dragged through the legs of the Canucks' defender and then sent his shot into the top shelf as he was falling down to extend the Jets' lead to 3-1.

The Jets were given a gift early when they had 1:07 of 5-on-3 after Teddy Blueger went off for high sticking 5:01 into the matchup, but Winnipeg's lethal offense was unable to make use of the advantage.

Suter came close to opening the scoring for the Canucks with 8:24 remaining in the first, but found the crossbar with his wrist shot.

Suter got his revenge with just more than a minute left in the period. The Canucks took advantage of a bad change by the Jets and Tyler Myers spotted Suter, who made a quick move before firing his shot past Hellebuyck.

With about 13 minutes left in the second period, Josh Morrissey floated around the offensive zone before handing a perfect backhand pass over to Adam Lowry, but Demko got across to keep the puck out.

Connor got the Jets on the board with 10:34 left in the second period after he stormed through the middle of the ice before ripping his shot in between Demko's legs. Connor's goal was his team-leading 38th of the season.

The Jets came close to taking the lead early in the third period, but Demko stood his ground and stopped Scheifele's net-front opportunity.

Appleton then secured the 2-1 lead for the Jets with 13:36 left in the contest. Nikolaj Ehlers fired a spin-around shot towards the net and Appleton got a hold of the rebound before making no mistake.

--Field Level Media