In what seemed like a game in where the Winnipeg Jets could score at will after wetting their pallets with yet another contest in which they scored at least seven goals, they still allowed four goals against, although starter Steve Mason made some brilliant saves early on, including a short-handed breakaway by the Sabres.
Patrik Laine opened the scoring with his 19th of the season on a sweet Laine-only-fashioned wrist shot that found its way to the bottom stick side of starter Robin Lehner on the power-play.
Dustin Byfuglien scored his second goal on a floater from the blue-line.
Kyle Connor scored twice, his 14th and 15th; once in the second and the other in the third. Nikolaj Ehlers also scored twice, including a laser of a top corner snipe. Both in the second period. His 18th and 19th of the season to tie Laine for the team goal-scoring lead. After that, Lehner was replaced with Chad Johnson, who fared a little better, but not much, letting in the next four goals.
Joel Armia rounded out the scoring for the Jets, with his 7th into an empty net.
Mason earned the victory with 30 saves, including a beautiful right pad save on Kyle Okposo when he broke in on a partial breakaway.
The final tally for the Jets was to be expected. They are a first-lace team and the Buffalo Sabres are at the bottom of the NHL standings. It should be that way when the team you are playing is 30 points behind you.
The Jets now sport a record of 26-11-7. Good for 59 points as they continue to hang on to first place in the Central division, and third overall in the league.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a way to embed the highlights for this game. So...a link instead it is.
