Let it be known that the Winnipeg Jets don’t lose 12 times in a row.
At long last, the Jets snapped their disastrous 11-game losing streak by trouncing the Los Angeles Kings 5-1 on Friday night for their first win since Dec. 13.
Coming on the second night of a back-to-back, the Jets didn’t let Thursday’s collapse against the Edmonton Oilers bleed into yet another blown lead against the Kings.
They jumped out to a quick start, with a goal from Vladislav Namestnikov only 1:31 into the outing. Cole Koepke followed that up with a goal of his own in the dying minutes of the opening frame.
As he’s done for much of the season, Mark Scheifele led the way with a two-goal night, while Cole Perfetti and Gabe Vilardi both finished with two assists on the night.
Jonathan Towes also nabbed a score on the night, netting his first goal since Nov. 11 with the first goal of the second period.
Despite a goal from Quinton Byfield midway through the second period, the Jets defence held firm and goaltender Eric Comrie stopped 23 of the 24 shots he faced.
On the other end, Kings starter Darcy Kuemper was replaced by Anton Forsberg for the start of the third period after allowing five goals on 16 shots.
Next up for the Jets on their five-game homestand is a showdown against the struggling New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Kings head to Alberta for a Hockey Night in Canada showdown against the Oilers on Saturday night.
