Jets’ Comrie Shines Despite Shootout Loss to Canadiens

In an intense matchup on Wednesday night, Winnipeg Jets goalie Eric Comrie showcased his resilience despite a recent tough outing. Playing in place of the injured Connor Hellebuyck, Comrie faced the Montreal Canadiens, ultimately leading to a 3-2 shootout loss.

Comrie’s Performance Stands Out

Comrie stopped 29 shots during the game, demonstrating solid skills and determination. This performance came after a challenging 5-1 defeat against the Buffalo Sabres, where he was pulled after allowing three goals on just 14 shots.

Coach Scott Arniel praised Comrie for his spirit and commitment. “He did all of that and then some,” he remarked after the Montreal game, highlighting Comrie’s ability to bounce back quickly. Comrie’s impressive saves against players like Cole Caufield and Jake Evans kept his team in the competition.

Team Struggles Without Hellebuyck

• The Jets hold a record of 13 wins, 12 losses, and 1 overtime loss after the game.
• They have lost six of their last seven matches while Hellebuyck recovers from a minor knee surgery.
• Comrie’s current statistics show a .888 save percentage and a 3.36 goals-against average in six games since the injury announcement.

In the contest against Montreal, the Jets initially took a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Mark Scheifele, who also provided an assist. However, the Canadiens capitalized on opportunities, with Juraj Slafkovsky scoring and Oliver Kapanen adding to their tally, pushing the game to a deciding shootout.

Takeaways from the Match

Despite the loss, Comrie expressed a sense of pride in his performance and for his teammates, stating, “I thought our team played well enough to get the two points.” He acknowledged the impressive duel against Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes in overtime, marking the match as a thrilling showcase for both netminders.

Arniel noted the importance of playing better in front of Comrie, which contributed to his strong performance. “Nice to see him bounce back,” he said, emphasizing that continued support for the goalie is crucial as the Jets navigate this challenging phase of the season.