Mark Scheifele’s 900th career NHL point came exactly how one might expect: setting up Kyle Connor, his longtime linemate.
The veteran centre reached the milestone with a second-period assist, eventually finishing with three helpers in the Winnipeg Jets’ 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken at Canada Life Centre on Monday night.
Jonathan Toews and Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and an assist each, while Brad Lambert and Vladislav Namestnikov (the latter into an empty net) also scored for the Jets (34-31-12), who have collected points in seven of their last nine games (6-2-1).
Josh Morrissey provided a pair of assists and Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves for the win.
Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann replied for the Kraken (32-33-11), who extended their losing streak to five games and have lost nine of their last 10 (1-7-2).
Seattle starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer left the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period after allowing three goals on 15 shots. Joey Daccord entered in relief and made 10 saves.
Winnipeg’s special teams dominated the matchup, as the club scored three times on the power play for the first time all season.
But not before the Kraken opened the scoring, the fourth consecutive game in which Winnipeg has surrendered the opening goal.
Eberle netted his team-leading 25th of the season at 9:17 of the first period.
The Jets responded on the man advantage at 12:39 when Toews, moved back to the top power-play unit, scored his 10th of the year.
Winnipeg took control in the second period when Vilardi scored at 9:55, followed by Connor’s team-leading 37th goal of the season at 12:09 — both power-play markers.
Seattle cut the deficit to 3-2 at 2:28 of the third period on a goal by McCann. The assist went to Kaapo Kakko, extending his point streak to three games.
Lambert restored the two-goal cushion at 5:59 of the final frame to seal the win, with Connor and Namestnikov adding insurance markers.
As the first-ever draft pick taken by the Jets 2.0 — selected seventh overall in the 2011 NHL Draft — Scheifele has spent his entire career in Winnipeg.
At 33, he already has the most points in franchise history (901) and is also the leader in games played (956).
“His body’s always ready to go,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said.
“It’s a case of he’s determined, he’s driven, and he wants to have team success. With team success comes individual success.”
Scheifele registered the 900th point by feeding Connor in the second period, then notched 901 when he set up Connor in the third.
“It means a lot,” said Scheifele, who also assisted on Vilardi’s goal. “I’m obviously very honoured and humbled by it. So it’s pretty cool to think about. It’ll probably take a little bit to sink in, but it’s very cool, in my mind.”
When asked who he thinks about after such a special occasion, Scheifele got nostalgic, reflecting on his 13 NHL seasons.
“Everyone that’s been in my life throughout the hockey years,” he said. “Family, obviously, is big. I’ve just got to thank God for it all. I’m very blessed, very lucky.”
Scheifele has made efforts in recent years to engage with the younger players on the Jets, with the hope his strong work ethic and habits rub off on his teammates. It’s been especially important this season, as Winnipeg continues to battle for the second wildcard playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Lambert is one of the younger players keeping a close eye on Scheifele.
“He is the last guy off the ice a lot,” Lambert said. “Someone with 900 points who continues to work that hard and continues to find things to improve in his game, it is special to watch.”
Arniel said Scheifele’s impact expands well beyond the goals and assists, further highlighting his willingness to share his advice and routine with the next generation of players.
“It isn’t just go out and have your 30- to 45-minute practice and get yourself off the ice,” the coach said.
“It’s go out for a purpose, and the purpose is to get yourself ready for the next game. In the weight room, the maintenance he has on his body, what he does on the ice — all that preparation — guys watch him. He’s not afraid to talk about it and the young guys, they like to listen,” Arniel said.
“Those guys all probably had pretty good mentors on their way up the ladder, and we need those guys to help the guys that are coming.”
Scheifele was also quick to give credit to Connor. The duo has been a fixture on Winnipeg’s top line for several years.
“It’s just instinct. We’ve played with each other a long time,” Scheifele said of their chemistry.
“I love going out to battle with him every shift. He’s a phenomenal guy, phenomenal player. I’m very, very lucky to have him on my left side.”
