Jets erase four-goal deficit in final three minutes to stun Canadiens

The Winnipeg Jets overturned a 4-0 deficit with less than three minutes remaining to beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in overtime on Tuesday, ending a nine-game losing streak. According to The Guardian, the rally was the latest four-goal comeback in NHL history. Dylan Samberg completed the turnaround with a wrist shot past Jacob Fowler at 3:30 of overtime at the Bell Centre.

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Winnipeg began its recovery through Tyrel Bauer, whose first NHL goal arrived with 2:39 left in regulation. Morgan Barron followed at 18:03, with Bauer adding an assist. Kyle Connor then scored twice from one-timers, just 27 seconds apart, with the Jets having withdrawn their goaltender. His second goal came on the power play and levelled the score with 33 seconds remaining. Winnipeg's four goals had come in two minutes and six seconds.

Bauer's contribution extended beyond the scoresheet. The sixth-round draft pick, appearing in his 10th NHL game, fought Montreal's Arber Xhekaj with 9:20 remaining in the third period. His subsequent goal and assist gave him a Gordie Howe hat-trick, combining all three contributions in the same game. Bauer said his teammates had supported him on the ice and that the group had maintained its belief through a difficult stretch.

For much of the evening, Fowler had kept Winnipeg from turning its play into goals. The 21-year-old, named the NHL's rookie of the month for October, made 19 saves in the second period, including several against Mark Scheifele. At the other end, Cole Caufield scored his second goal of the game early in the third period to give Montreal its four-goal advantage.

Canadiens coach Martin St Louis acknowledged afterwards that the lead had not reflected the overall balance of play. In comments reported by The Guardian, he said Winnipeg had been the better team, despite Montreal's position on the scoreboard. Caufield suggested the Canadiens had believed the contest was already settled and said there was no excuse for losing from that position.

The result gave Winnipeg its first victory since October 13. The Jets were playing their fifth game in eight nights after a 7-0 defeat by Carolina on Sunday. Coach Scott Arniel expressed hope that the win could help restart their season, while stressing the need to remain within reach of the Western Conference playoff places.