Apparently, the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 victory last night, a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, was the first time the Jets/Thrashers franchise had defeated the Kings in L.A. in regulation. Who knew?
Goaltending was the story of this one. Both the Jets' Steve, Mason and the Kings' Jonathon Quick made huge saves, but although both goalies stood on their heads, none save was more important than Mason's late save on Tanner Pearson with 45 seconds left in regulation, earning him only his second win of the season. He robbed Anzi Kopitar at last three times in the crease, as well as stifling Doug Brown and Drew Doughty on multiple occasions. As has happened on a couple of occasions this season to Connor Hellebuyck, Mason deserved a shut-out for this one.
If he continues to play like this, he'll definitely get more games in, as thus far Hellebuyck has been caring a heavy majority of the workload, as he as earned the starts to to his solid play.
Mason made 38 saves and improved his record to 2-3-1.
The Jets have reached the American Thanksgiving; the 1/4 mark of the season, and a measuring stick in the NHL for team analysis, with a 13-5-3 record. Good enough to remain in second place in the Central division with 29 points, one point ahead of the Nashville Predators and four points behind the St. Louis Blues for first, with a game at hand. Dare to dream?
The Jets continue this three-game West-Coast road-trip tomorrow night against the Anaheim Ducks. A team the Jets have not had success with the last few seasons.