Winnipeg Jets takeaways: Game-winning confetti for Perfetti, special teams shine, and more from 5-3 win against Calgary Flames

The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Calgary Flames 5-3 in a close matchup on Saturday at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Jets held on to a 4-3 lead late in the third period before icing the victory with an empty-netter. Nikolaj Ehlers, Kyle Connor, Dylan Samberg, Cole Perfetti and Mason Appleton got the goals for the Winnipeg Jets, while Mikael Backlund, Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri replied for the Calgary Flames.

With that in mind, let’s jump into three reasons why the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.

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Three reasons why Winnipeg Jets defeated Calgary Flames

#3 Eric Comrie was solid

On a night when the Flames didn't face perennial Vezina candidate Connor Hellebuyck, backup Eric Comrie shut the door. Comrie ended up making 26 saves for the win, giving the Jets a solid performance, especially in the final minutes.

For the Jets, solid starts from Comrie has made a significant difference this season, allowing the club to keep Hellebuyck rested and focused. As such, Saturday night’s outing was another crucial win for the Jets’ backup.

#2 The Jets outlasted the Flames

Saturday night’s tilt was a back-and-forth affair where both teams quickly traded goals. Mikael Backlund opened the scoring less than a minute into the game beforeNikolaj Ehlers tied the scores less than two minutes later.

Dylan Samberg made it 3-2. About three minutes later, Nazem Kadri tied the game once again. But the see-saw action ended with Cole Perfetti’s power play marker at 16:16 of the third, giving the Jets a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

It’s worth pointing out how the Jets went tit-for-tat against the Flames, keeping the pressure on despite quick responses. Ultimately, the Jets outlasted the Flames, winning a matchup of will and determination.

#1 The special teams shined

The Jets’ special teams made the difference. Three of the Jets’ five goals came on special teams. The Jets notched up two power play goals and one shorthanded tally. In particular, Perfetti's power play goal in the third was the game-winning marker.

The Jets’ power play sits at nearly 50%, making it the most lethal in the NHL by far. As such, the Jets must continue taking advantage of the special teams opportunities they get to continue rolling this season.

Additionally, the shorthanded marker was a beauty, as it came on a 2-on-1 rush chance. The goal resulted from a turnover in the Jets’ zone, one the Jets capitalized on. The goal proved the Jets can be just as dangerous with the man advantage as they are shorthanded.

The Winnipeg Jets will look to extend their perfect record on Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.