Connor Hellebuyck notched his third shutout of the season, stopping 17 shots as the Winnipeg Jets edged past the San Jose Sharks 1-0. Morgan Barron netted the lone goal, securing the Jets’ second consecutive victory following a five-game slump. Hellebuyck’s shutout marked his 35th career blank slate, placing him among the NHL elite as the 10th goalie to hold opponents to three goals or fewer in 30 consecutive regular-season games.
Kaapo Kahkonen put up a strong performance for the Sharks with 39 saves, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their defeat, dropping to a 4-2-2 record in their last eight games. The game started with the Sharks taking an early lead in shots, registering four within the first 4:35 minutes, while the Jets struggled to find their footing. However, Winnipeg quickly turned the tide, firing off 15 consecutive shots on goal. Barron capitalized on the offensive surge, tipping in the opening period, marking his career-high ninth goal.
Despite a dominant first period for the Jets, they managed to extend their lead by just one goal, heading into the intermission with a 15-4 shot advantage. The second period saw a similar narrative, with Winnipeg controlling the play, yet failing to convert their chances. Nino Niederreiter had multiple opportunities to extend the lead, but Kahkonen stood tall for the Sharks. Late in the period, Anthony Duclair appeared to score for San Jose, but the goal was disallowed upon review, ensuring Winnipeg’s slim lead remained intact.
Heading into the final frame, the Jets maintained their pressure, outshooting the Sharks 31-12 after two periods. However, the game took a physical toll as San Jose forward Nico Sturm left the ice slowly after a hard hit from Jets defenseman Logan Stanley. Despite several power-play opportunities, the Jets couldn’t capitalize, extending their drought to 0 for 21 over their last eight games. Conversely, the Sharks’ penalty kill remained flawless, going 12 for 12 over their last five games.
Missing key players due to injury, the Sharks looked to regroup as they prepared for a back-to-back game against the Calgary Flames. Meanwhile, the Jets set their sights on a two-game road trip starting in Vancouver.
