Jets Top Rangers 2-1 in Narrow Affair

The Jets have found another way to win. On Tuesday night, it was a reliance on five shot blocks by defenceman Luke Schenn - including two in the final three minutes.

The newcomer, who was skating in his first game as a member of the Jets, threw five hits, made five blocks, earned one takeaway, one shot on goal and maintained his reputation as one of the best defensive defencemen in the league over his 16-some-odd minutes of play.

"A big one," head coach Scott Arniel said of Schenn's strong play. "Ran into some people. Couple big shot blocks. Keeps the game simple... like we talked about yesterday. Makes a good first pass. Recognizes what's ahead of him. I'm sure there was lots of nerves coming in here. First game, against a team like the Rangers, that was a real good first showing."

Winnipeg improved to 45-17-4 on the year and owns a league-best 94 points, which is two ahead of Washington and eight ahead of the Dallas Stars who sit second in the Central Division.

The game wasn't a stereotypical Jets home contest either, but the team managed to win for the 24th time at home in 33 tries this season, despite only putting up two goals.

The Jets had solid goaltending once again, which saw the 20th game of the year from Connor Hellebuyck to which the reigning Vezina Trophy winner allowed one or fewer goals.

It was his 38th win of the season.

“Well, they’re as advertised," Schenn, the trade deadline acquisition said. "Obviously, playing them this year, it’s not by mistake that they’re in this position in the standings. The biggest thing I noticed is how much structure there is and how much detail there is on the defensive zone. Guys are in position and defending first. At the end of the day, that’s what wins in this league. They have skill, know when it’s time to take over and obviously, a great power play and goaltending. Like I said, it was pretty impressive to be a part of a group who plays the right way like this.”

Vlad Namestnikov got the party started just 5:18 in with a net-front redirection that broke a lengthy pointless streak, as he tipped home a strong zone entry from line mates Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti.

Perfetti collected his second assist on the game-winner, a power play setup to Gabe Vilardi, and in doing so set a new career high with his 40th point of the season (66 games).

"Yeah, yeah, that's pretty cool," Perfetti said. "I think that's obviously, it's not all the points, my goal this year is just been focusing on my play and the points will come. It's started to come for our line. It was nice to see our line score tonight."

Mika Zibanejad earlier had scored a power play goal of his own, which had tied the game at ones. But that score did not last long. Vilardi's 27th of the season actually proved to be the winner in the low-scoring affair.

Next up for Winnipeg is a crucial test with Dallas on Friday, in the penultimate matchup between the two clubs this season. As it stands, the Stars have two games in hand on the Jets, but sit eight points back for second in the Central Division.

That game gets underway from Canada Life Centre at 7:00 PM on Friday.