The Winnipeg Jets announced they’d snapped their 11-game losing streak with a dominant 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Mark Scheifele led the way with two goals in the win.
The Jets were winless since December 13, going 0-7-4 over their longest skid since relocating from Atlanta in 2011.
Vladislav Namestnikov broke a 29-game goal drought to open the scoring. The forward had been a healthy scratch the previous night against Edmonton but got his chance and made it count.
Jonathan Toews ended his own 26-game scoring slump with a goal in the second period.
Cole Koepke also found the net for Winnipeg, while Gabriel Vilardi contributed two assists. Eric Comrie was solid in goal with 23 saves.
The Kings got their lone goal from Quinton Byfield. Darcy Kuemper struggled early, allowing four goals on 12 shots before being pulled for Anton Forsberg to start the third period.
Namestnikov tipped home the opener just 1:31 into the first period. Koepke’s one-timer with 1:55 left in the frame doubled the lead.
Toews made it 3-0 early in the second period, tapping in his fourth goal of the season at 2:07.
Byfield answered back seven minutes later. Jets coach Scott Arniel challenged the goal for interference but the call stood.
Scheifele restored the three-goal cushion on the power play at 12:35. His pass from behind the net deflected off Byfield’s skate and past Kuemper for a 4-1 lead.
The Jets captain capped the scoring with his team-leading 22nd goal of the season with 43 seconds remaining.
Nino Niederreiter picked up an assist for his first point in 18 games. Kyle Connor extended his point streak to five games with an assist.
Kings forward Anze Kopitar missed his second straight game with a lower body injury.
What’s Next
The Kings visit the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
The Jets host the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.
