Dustin Byfuglien scored the game winner with 88 seconds left in the third period as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 Friday night at MTS Centre.

Blake Wheeler supplied the cushion the Jets needed as he deposited the puck into an empty Calgary net with 53 seconds remaining.

Wheeler's goal was the 150th of his NHL career and the 100th goal he has scored with the Jets franchise.

Bryan Little had the other Winnipeg marker.

Flames forward Mikael Backlund beat Ondrej Pavelec 3:38 into the first period.

The Jets netminder shut the door the rest of the way stopping 19 of 20 shots he faced.

“I think we were a little bit slower in the first period but we picked it up in the second and third," Pavelec said. "I think we were a better team. They had a few power plays so you move a little bit, it’s about focus how you focus for every shot and every minute. I’m happy they didn’t score in the third.”

Calgary goaltender Karri Ramo handled 27 of 29 shots.

Winnipeg (4-1-0) will continue its six-game homestand Sunday against the St. Louis Blues.


photos by Ray Peters