Michael Hutchinson stopped 45 shots including all 18 he faced in the second period as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 Thursday night at MTS Centre.

Patrick Kane scored a power play goal 1:26 into the game but that was the only time the defending Stanley Cup champions put the puck past the Jets goaltender who was perfect the rest of the way.

"It’s huge, it’s one of those things you have to learn as a goalie," said Hutchinson. "It takes times to learn to get over the first goal. I’d like to have that one back.  You never want a goal go through you, but at the same time we answered back so quick that we were still right in the game and you can’t let another one past you especially against Chicago. As soon as they get a bit of a lead they shut it down, but fortunately we were able to answer right away and just go from there."

Blake Wheeker, Andrew Ladd and Mark Scheifele did the goal scoring for the Jets who wrapped up their six-game homestand with a 3-2-1 record.

Bryan Little chipped in with a pair of assists.

Winnipeg will play eight of its next nine games on the road.

The Jets (6-3-1) face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.


photos by Ray Peters