Fowl night for Ducks defenders as Jets soar to 9-3 win
WINNIPEG — The floodgates opened and the Anaheim Ducks couldn’t find a way to turn off the tap.
The Winnipeg Jets set a franchise record by scoring six times in the first period and cruised to a 9-3 victory over the Ducks Saturday night at Bell MTS Place.
The second Jets power play unit scored three times and the fourth line was in on three goals as Ducks goalie John Gibson was chased after surrendering six goals on 14 shots.
Jack Roslovic, who left the morning skate early with cramps and whose availability was in question, scored all three power play markers for the Jets.
That gives Roslovic five goals during the last four games, all of which have come with the man advantage.
“We’ve been doing what we have been doing for the past couple of games, getting pucks, sustaining a little O-zone pressure and the way we’ve been scoring goals on the power play has been pretty good for our unit,” said Roslovic, who is up to seven goals and 16 points in 51 games this season. “When the (first unit) is not clicking, it’s always good to have a second backup be a little hot.”
Roslovic walked in alone on a breakaway for his first goal, then scored on a pair of shots from the slot to complete his first NHLhattrick.
“I’m not a big goal-scorer, so I haven’ t had a hat trick in a while. And to get one in the NHL (was) pretty nice,” said Roslovic, who added an assist for his first four-point game. “I don’t really recall (his last hat trick).”
The Jets own the best home-ice power play in the NHL. Of the last 21 power play markers, the second unit is responsible for 12 of them.
The fourth line set the tone for the Jets as Andrew Copp scored on a rebound 2:07 into the contest. Brendan Lemieux scored on a wraparound and Mason Appleton set up Tyler Myers to round out the fourthline production.
“This was just kind of another day for us,” said Copp, one of six Jets to record a multi-point night. “We’re playing really well, playing in the other team’s end and creating a lot of chances. This is just keeping on that path, really.”
Bryan Little scored twice and added an assist, while Blake Wheeler also scored for the Jets.
Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves to earn his 24th victory of the season and chipped in an assist for good measure.
The Jets improved to 34-16-2 and wrap up a threegame homestand Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks.