Tavares helps Maple Leafs snap Jets unbeaten streak with 6-4 win

Published Oct. 28, 2024 10:52 p.m. ET

Associated Press

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — John Tavares scored three goals and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat Winnipeg 6-4 on Monday night, handing the Jets their first loss of the season.

William Nylander had a goal and two assists, and Matthew Knies and Morgan Rielly also scored for Toronto, which had lost three straight (0-2-1). Max Pacioretty, moved up from the fourth line to the second line, had three assists and Anthony Stolarz had 19 saves.

Kyle Connor had three goals and an assist for Winnipeg to extend his point streak to nine games (nine goals, five assists). That set a franchise-record for longest point streak to start a season, which had previously been held by former captain Blake Wheeler since 2015-16.

Mark Scheifele had a goal and assist, and Josh Morrissey added three assists for the Jets. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 30 shots.

Winnipeg, the NHL’s last remaining unbeaten team had opened the season with a franchise-record eight consecutive victories.

Takeaways

Jets: Winnipeg put itself it a 4-0 hole by 3:25 of the second period by displaying some uncharacteristic defensive breakdowns, but it could have been worse if not for their strong special-teams play. They killed off two penalties and Connor scored twice with the man advantage.

Maple Leafs: Toronto pumped in its most goals in a game this season, but all were at even strength. The Leafs’ power play limped into the game at 10 per cent (3 for 30) and came up empty on two chances.

Key Moment

After scoring twice and outshooting the Jets 19-6 in the first period, Winnipeg’s coverage in the slot was loose and Knies fired in a rebound to make it 3-0 just 56 seconds into the second.