Mark Scheifele scored two goals on a record-breaking night as the visiting Winnipeg Jets topped the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 on Thursday.
Connor Hellebuyck had to make just 15 saves to earn the victory for Winnipeg, which has won three in a row since losing to the Dallas Stars in its season opener. Vladislav Namestnikov, Morgan Barron and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Jets and Kyle Connor had two assists.
Scheifele scored on a wrist shot midway through the second period, then added a power play goal in the third period, burying a one-timer from the left circle. The second tally brought Scheifele into a tie with Blake Wheeler for the most points in Jets franchise history (812).
Samuel Ersson made 10 saves for Philadelphia, which got goals from Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov.
Less than six minutes into the game, Winnipeg’s Gustav Nyquist found Nino Niederreiter in the doorway. Niederreiter tried to maneuver in front but lost the puck, only for Namestnikov to take it home to take a 1-0 lead.
After Scheifele made it 2-0 at 7:01 of the second period, Philadelphia cut its late-period deficit in half. Tippett skated in on a 2-on-1 and beat Hellebuyck with a wrist shot from the right circle.
However, Barron made it 3-1 less than 90 seconds later with his third goal of the season. Barron’s shot from the left circle hit a body in front and crossed the goal line before Ersson could recover and locate it.
Scheifele increased the lead to 4-1 with 10:20 left. He has recorded 341 goals (a club record) and 471 assists since joining the Jets franchise in 2011-12.
Michkov’s first goal of the season made things a little interesting with 2:21 left before Pearson’s empty net just over a minute later sealed the deal.
Winnipeg will host Philadelphia in the second and final meeting between the teams this season on April 11.
–Field level media
