Mark Scheifele scored two goals on a record-tying night as the visiting Winnipeg Jets topped the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 on Thursday.
Connor Hellebuyck had to make only 15 saves to earn the victory for Winnipeg, which has won three straight since falling to the Dallas Stars in its season opener. Vladislav Namestnikov, Morgan Barron and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Jets, and Kyle Connor logged two assists.
Scheifele scored on a wrist shot midway through the second period and 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 on the doorstep. Niederreiter tried to maneuver in front but lost the puck, only for Namestnikov to ram it home for a 1-0 lead.
After Scheifele made it 2-0 at 7:01 of the second period, Philadelphia halved its deficit late in the frame. Tippett skated in on a 2-on-1 and beat Hellebuyck with a wrister 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 trickled over the goal line before Ersson could recover and locate it.
Scheifele increased the lead to 4-1 with 10:20 remaining in the contest. He has recorded 341 goals (an ongoing club record) and 471 assists since joining the Jets franchise in 2011-12.
Michkov’s first goal of the season made things a bit interesting with 2:21 remaining before Pearson’s empty-netter 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
