Gabe Vilardi achieved a hat trick, and the Winnipeg Jets secured a playoff spot while knocking Calgary out of contention for a wild-card spot. They won 5-2 in their last game of a five-game homestand on Thursday night.
“It was a fantastic night for me, but even better for the team to secure a playoff spot,” said Vilardi. “We still have a long way to go and a lot of work ahead. But it’s a positive night.”
Vilardi completed his hat trick and scored his 19th goal of the season into an empty net with just over a minute remaining. Nikolaj Ehlers contributed with a goal and an assist, while Tyler Toffoli also found the back of the net. Connor Hellebuyck made 31 saves to help the Jets improve to 46-24-6.
“You play 82 games to reach the playoffs, and it’s like receiving an invitation to the party,” said Josh Morrissey, who assisted on two goals for the Jets. “It’s thrilling to qualify, and we’re looking forward to experiencing the energy of the Whiteout in our building again.”
Martin Pospisil and MacKenzie Weegar scored for Calgary, with Dustin Wolf making 40 saves. “Everyone aims to compete for the Cup. That’s the key goal,” remarked Weegar. Toffoli gave Winnipeg a 3-2 lead with a power-play goal late in the second period.
Vilardi added his second goal of the game by capitalizing on a rebound midway through the third period, extending the Jets’ lead to 4-2.
Weegar scored first for Calgary on an early power play, but Winnipeg responded with Vilardi’s first goal of the night on a power play with just over seven minutes left in the first period. Ehlers then put the Jets ahead, but Pospisil tied it up midway through the second.
In the final minute of the second period, Pospisil elbowed Morrissey in the head. After a review requested by Jets coach Rick Bowness, Pospisil received a major penalty for elbowing and a game misconduct instead of the minor penalty initially called.
