Jets’ Kyle Connor takes game to new level in win against Red Wings

On Oct 31, 2024

If you happen to’ve been in the camp that believes the Winnipeg Jets lack a real game-breaker at ahead, Kyle Connor would love a phrase.

Wednesday night time — the place Winnipeg defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-2 — was one more instance of Connor’s brilliance. His three-point efficiency not solely helped him eclipse 500 profession factors, however extra importantly, reaffirmed what many on the prairies had observed because the common season started.

Connor has hit one other gear this season.

His saucer cross help to Gabriel Vilardi for the game’s first purpose was executed with good precision. His second level of the night time — a secondary help — got here by way of a well-placed low-shot to create a rebound, which Neal Pionk capitalized on. And his third level of the night time? Nicely, it was simply classic ‘KC’ — a give-and-go with Vilardi that noticed him obtain a cross above the blue-paint, at full velocity, and swiftly deke to his backhand to rating on Alex Lyon.

var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-463264” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).information(‘permalink’);

/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364007046112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364007046112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364007046112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.contains(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);

if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}

var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);

if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}

$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );

$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-463264” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: true,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6364007046112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6364007046112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/jets-connor-sets-up-villardis-opening-goal-to-notch-500th-career-point/”
});
});

var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-298506” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).information(‘permalink’);

if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}

var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);

if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}

$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );

$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-298506” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: false,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6364007046112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6364007046112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/jets-connor-sets-up-villardis-opening-goal-to-notch-500th-career-point/”
});
});

“He’s got that scoring touch that not many guys in this league have,” Jets ahead Mason Appleton advised reporters Wednesday morning. “It seems like almost every other night he scores a goal where you’re like ‘wow….’ You almost get used to it but it’s like ‘wow…that’s an unbelievable goal.”’

The six-time 30-plus purpose scorer is presently tied for the second-most objectives (9) and tied for probably the most game-winning objectives (three) in the NHL. For those who have stored tabs on Connor, that shouldn’t be all-that-surprising. For the reason that 2019-20 season, solely Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak and Connor McDavid have scored extra even power objectives than Connor (137) — which, to the standard hockey fan, could come as a shock.

“He’s an elite player in this league,” Jets coach Scott Arniel advised reporters post-game. “We like to keep him as our little hidden secret but I don’t think that’s going to happen anymore.”

var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-610801” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).information(‘permalink’);

/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364008274112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364008274112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364008274112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.contains(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);

if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}

var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);

if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}

$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );

$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-610801” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: true,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6364008274112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6364008274112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/connor-blows-by-red-wings-defence-to-score-off-vilardi-feed/”
});
});

var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-116331” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).information(‘permalink’);

/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364008274112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364008274112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364008274112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.contains(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);

if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}

Raptors’ Davion Mitchell displays defensive prowess in loss to…

Ndamukong Suh Q&A: Aaron Rodgers beef, playing with Aaron…

Oilers fall to Golden Knights in McDavid’s return from injury

Ovechkin’s 861st goal a game-winner as Capitals clip Predators

Kerala Blasters FC vs. Hyderabad FC Prediction, Match Preview…

The Not-So-Great Defector Bake Off Contemplates The Melting Method…

NBA Best Bets Today: Top Sports Betting Picks, Predictions November…

Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver’s spectacular and turbulent…

var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);

if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}

$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );

$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-116331” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: false,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6364008274112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6364008274112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/connor-blows-by-red-wings-defence-to-score-off-vilardi-feed/”
});
});

Particularly given how harmful Connor has been in areas aside from purpose scoring this season.

This season, the 27-year-old has discovered a method to leverage his pure presents in the ‘unsexy’ areas of the game. He’s weaponizing his fast stick work to not solely shortly launch wrist photographs or deke opponents, however to additionally intercept pucks and defend gamers alongside the wall. He’s utilizing his legs to not solely push the play up the ice but additionally retreat and play a full 200-foot game. It’s one thing he’s all the time had inside him. And that’s why Arniel has had Connor killing penalties for the Jets since day considered one of coaching camp.

“The thing I like most about KC — we know the goal scoring, the shot, all the stuff — but it’s his ability to get the puck back,” Arniel advised reporters Wednesday morning. “The way he tracks. The way he takes a lot of pride playing without [the puck]. That leads to offence. It allows them to play with [the puck] a little bit more. He’s a guy that, when he doesn’t have it, he goes and gets it.”

As a lot as Connor’s first interval level totals on Wednesday have been eye-catching, his play away from the puck all night time lengthy was one thing Arniel didn’t need to gloss over.

“I just love the fact there were a couple of times in the third period where we were up three goals or whatever it was and he was still pouring back on the back-check and he was still trying to pop sticks,” Arniel mentioned.

Whereas Connor was all the time a near-lock to characterize Staff USA on the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, the all-around game he’s displayed will undoubtedly bode effectively for him turning into a driver — not only a passenger — in that match.

var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-379461” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).information(‘permalink’);

/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364013545112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364013545112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364013545112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.contains(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);

if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}

var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);

if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}

$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );

$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-379461” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: true,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6364013545112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6364013545112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/jets-connor-continues-remarkable-start-to-season-in-win-over-red-wings/”
});
});

var adServerUrl = “”;
var $el = $( “#video_container-896902” );
var permalink = $el.closest(‘.snet-single-article’).information(‘permalink’);

/*
if ( “1” == true && ‘undefined’ !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) {
var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}};
adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( ‘http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364013545112&cmsid=384’, so, permalink);
} else {
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364013545112&cmsid=384”;
}
*/
adServerUrl = “http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640×360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300×250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6364013545112&cmsid=384”;
var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.contains(“cust_params”);
var queryString=”;
if(adServerUrl_result){
var gettheDUFI = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem(“theRED_loc”);

if(gettheDUFI){
queryString += “dufiid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
queryString += “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
var ppid = “ppid=” + gettheDUFI + ‘&’;
}

var DUFI_IP = false;
if (localStorage.getItem(“consent”) !== null && localStorage.getItem(“consent-targeting”) !== null)
DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem(“DUFI_IP”);

if(DUFI_IP){
queryString += “dufiip=” + DUFI_IP + ‘&’;
}

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.substitute(/cust_params=/, ppid + ‘cust_params=” + encodeURIComponent(queryString) );
}

$el.after( unescape(“%3Cscript src=”” + (document.location.protocol == “https:” ? “https://sb” : “http://b”) + “.scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js” %3E%3C/script%3E”) );

$( doc ).one( “prepared’, perform() {
$( “#video_container-896902” ).SNPlayer( {
bc_account_id: “1704050871”,
bc_player_id: “JCdte3tMv”,
//autoplay: false,
//is_has_autoplay_switch: false,
bc_videos: 6364013545112,
is_has_continuous_play: “false”,
adserverurl: adServerUrl,
part: “”,
thumbnail: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/6364013545112-1024×576.jpg”,
direct_url: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/jets-connor-continues-remarkable-start-to-season-in-win-over-red-wings/”
});
});

Different Takeaways:

• The primary line rebounded large time. After a dreadful displaying against the Toronto Maple Leafs — which got here on the heels of a season-long development of being outscored and out-chanced throughout five-on-five play — the trio of Connor, Vilardi and Mark Scheifele was downright dominant against the Red Wings. Not solely did they mix for 3 objectives in the primary interval however in addition they out-chanced the opposition 10-3 at five-on-five. For the primary time all 12 months, it felt like issues have been clicking for them all through a complete game. They have been sustaining extended intervals of offensive zone stress, producing Grade-A probabilities and, most significantly, not getting suffocated in the impartial zone.

“That line looks fast, they’re cohesive and they’re doing things together,” Arniel mentioned. “When you have chemistry like that, they’re going to create the offence.”

• Talking of that first line, it’s secure to say we are able to put Vilardi’s six-game purpose drought to begin the 12 months in the rear view mirror. With a purpose tonight, Vilardi has three objectives (and 5 factors) in his final 4 video games.

NHL on Sportsnet

Livestream Hockey Night in Canada, Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, the Oilers, Flames, Canucks, out-of-market matchups, the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the NHL Draft.

Broadcast schedule

• You possibly can add Dylan Samberg and Pionk to the record of gamers that bounced again in an enormous method from Monday’s 6-4 loss to the Maple Leafs, the place that pairing was on the ice for 5 objectives against throughout five-on-five play.

“I’ll quote [Rick Bowness] — [expletive] happens,” Pionk advised reporters post-game. “It was a mix of [Toronto] enjoying very well and us enjoying very poorly. That simply occurs. Over the course of 82 video games, that’s going to occur. Like I mentioned, you’ve obtained to reply.

And that duo certain did, with Winnipeg out-chancing Detroit 11-2 throughout five-on-five play when these two have been on the market. Pionk scored two objectives — the primary being an aggressive pinch to the slot and the second approaching the facility play — which gave him 12 factors on the 12 months (tying him with Alex Pietrangelo for the second-most factors amongst defenceman). Samberg had a number of hallmark defensive stoppages, together with some textbook defending on a two-on-one in the second interval the place he sprawled out and nullified a cross-ice probability.

Extra from Sportsnet

32 Ideas: Commerce discuss starting to choose up throughout the league

Participant Efficiency of the Week: Jets’ Connor can’t cease lighting the lamp