The Winnipeg Jets will look to make history Saturday afternoon when they tangle with the visiting Dallas Stars.
The Jets are on an extraordinary run, having won 13 of their first 14 games.
That is something that only one other team has ever been able to accomplish, the Ottawa Senators in 2007-08.
If the Jets can find another victory against Dallas, they’ll boast the best-ever start to an NHL season, but they won’t want to copy their effort in a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night in Winnipeg.
“We got two points,” said Jets coach Scott Arniel. “We’re not very happy about it. We found a way to win the hockey game. We had a good first period and after that we were downhill. Those guys all know that. I didn’t have to say much, they all knew that. … Now it’s Dallas.”
Connor Hellebuyck, the two-time Vezina trophy-winning netminder, has been the heart and soul of the Winnipeg Jets and their streak — with his stat line proving his dominance.
Hellebuyck (10-1-0) leads the NHL in save percentage (.932), goals-against average (1.91) and shutouts (three) among goalies who have played more than five games.
He heads into Saturday after pitching back-to-back clean sheets and more than 133 minutes of ice time without allowing a goal.
“Once you get your rhythm, things just start to click. That’s why I like to play a lot,” Hellebuyck said after Thursday’s game. “The only thing you have to look for is maintenance, making sure you’re not overdoing it between games … and the more and more shots you get, the better you get at getting ahead.”
The Stars will have a full plate in their first meeting of the season against the Jets, having to push back against one of the NHL’s top offensive and defensive teams.
Dallas coach Pete DeBoer is looking forward to the challenge of playing red-hot Winnipeg.
“Those are the games you play for. We’ve obviously got something to prove. They’re leading the (Central) division,” DeBoer said after their 3-1 victory Thursday over the Chicago Blackhawks — their first game back after a pair of losses to the Florida Panthers in Finland. “It’s a chance anytime you go against a team that’s ahead of you in the standings. It’s a four-point swing. So, we know the gravity of the game.”
There shouldn’t be any fear of the Jets in the mind of the Stars. They’ve played Winnipeg very well in the past, having won three of the four meetings between the two clubs last season.
“They’re obviously off to a great start. It will be good to see where we’re at against those guys,” said Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. “We’ve had success against them the last few years so we should be confident going up there. Should be a great atmosphere and a fun test.”
Dallas forward Mason Marchment did not play Thursday against Chicago with an undisclosed injury. It’s unclear if he’ll be on the ice in Winnipeg on Saturday.
–Field Level Media