Connor continues hot streak, Hellebuyck bounces back, and more: 3 reasons why Winnipeg Jets dominated 6-2 against Detroit Red Wings

The Winnipeg Jets returned to winning ways, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 6-2 at the Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night.

Neal Pionk had two goals for the Winnipeg Jets, with Gabriel Vilardi, Kyle Connor, Nino Niederreiter and Colin Milled adding the others for the Jets. Meanwhile, Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat scored for the Red Wings.

So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Winnipeg Jets beat the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night.

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Three reasons why Winnipeg Jets beat Detroit Red Wings

#3 The Jets outplayed a physical Red Wings team

The Winnipeg Jets outplayed the Red Wings throughout the game. The Jets rode a big first period to take a 3-0 lead into the first intermission. While the Wings made the game close in the second period following back-to-back goals, the Jets pulled away with three more in the third.

It’s worth pointing out that the much more physical Red Wings team had a distinct advantage in the hit column. The Wings outhit the Jets 31-10, but the Wings proved to be much slower, allowing the Jets to beat them with speed and skills.

#2 Hellebuyck got the job done

After surrendering five goals to the Toronto Maple Leafs in his last outing, Connor Hellebuyck got the job done on Wednesday night. He stopped 19-of-21 shots, keeping the game close when the Wings pulled to within a goal.

While the Jets did a good job of keeping the Wings in check, Hellebuyck held fort during the second period. His strong bounce-back performance allowed the Jets to beat the upstart Wings.

#1 Connor continues to roll

Kyle Connor had four points on Monday night against the Leafs, notching up two goals and two assists. He was at it again on Wednesday night, registering three points (1G, 2A). Connor has been on fire recently, running up his season totals to nine goals and eight assists for 17 points in 10 games.

Connor has been driving the Jets’ offense this season and was a big reason why the Jets won on Wednesday night. He assisted on the Jets’ first two goals and scored to make it 3-0 at 15:44 of the first period.

The most important stat of the night, though, was Connor’s milestone 500th point. Connor reached the milestone on an assist on the game’s first goal, scored by Gabriel Vilardi at 2:48 of the first period.

The Jets will be back on the ice on Friday night when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nationwide Arena.